International Studiesat Boston College
Graduates earn $51,371/yr in their first year — about 47.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $700K; scenarios range from $654K to $711K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Boston College
Your degree from Boston College's International/Global Studies program carries significant weight, opening doors due to the university's strong reputation and proximity to Boston's vibrant global economy. This location is a hub for international finance, consulting, non-profits, and government, offering diverse pathways beyond traditional diplomacy. Employers recognize BC graduates for their critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills, often recruiting for roles in global business development, policy analysis, and project management at major firms and organizations.
While AI may assist with data synthesis, the core of these careers—nuanced human interaction, cross-cultural communication, and complex strategic judgment—remains distinctly human, explaining the moderate AI risk. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships with multinational corporations, NGOs, or government agencies during your studies. This hands-on experience is crucial for translating your academic knowledge into specific professional skills and building a network that will accelerate your career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Boston College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering International Studies
How Boston College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Boston College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Studies at Boston College
How does Boston College's International Studies program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Boston College rank so high for International Studies?
The #14 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.