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International Studies at Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,756/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #24 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 $731K $719K $671K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$266,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,756
64% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,364
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Colby College's International Studies graduates start at $42,756/yr — above the $34,873 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #24 out of 81 programs, Colby College's International Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $42,756 to $79,364 over five years (86% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Colby College

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Colby College, reflecting elite selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,282 students in Waterville, ME. The average net cost of $95,756 over four years represents a 64% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Colby College →

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 Colby College

Economics ($76,401) Political Science and Government ($54,353) Area Studies ($45,686) Biology, General ($43,597) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($42,326) Psychology, General ($40,842) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($28,216)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colby College's International Studies program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is International Studies at Colby College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $266,400, but the average net cost is $95,756 — a 64% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →