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International Studies at California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,246/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $440K $443K $423K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.9x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,748
Out-of-state: $77,268 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,948
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,093
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $34,246/yr, International Studies graduates from California State University-Monterey Bay land near the $34,873 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,093 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #35 ranking among 81 International Studies programs places California State University-Monterey Bay in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About California State University-Monterey Bay

With 95% of applicants admitted, California State University-Monterey Bay prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,811 in Seaside, CA. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Monterey Bay →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other $75,040/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 81 schools offering International Studies →

International Studies at Other Schools

Bentley University ($75,006) University of Notre Dame ($69,362) American Public University System ($64,133) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($55,240) Boston College ($51,371) University of Maryland-Baltimore County ($49,115) University of California-Berkeley ($46,660) College of the Holy Cross ($46,530)

Other Majors at California State University-Monterey Bay

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($117,088) Computer Science ($71,458) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,825) Human Services, General ($37,501) Hospitality Administration/Management ($35,760) Biology, General ($35,312) Social Sciences, General ($34,678) Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($34,089)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at California State University-Monterey Bay?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →