International Studiesat Colby College
Graduates earn $42,756/yr in their first year — about 23.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $719K; scenarios range from $671K to $731K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Colby College
Colby's elite liberal arts foundation ensures you develop exceptional critical thinking, research, and cross-cultural communication skills through your International/Global Studies degree. This rigorous academic training, combined with strong opportunities for language acquisition and study abroad, makes Colby graduates highly competitive for roles demanding sophisticated analysis and a global perspective. You'll find alumni leveraging these skills in diverse fields, from international NGOs and government agencies in D.C. to global consulting firms and policy think tanks. While the major isn't vocational, its strength lies in opening doors to prestigious entry-level positions or providing a solid foundation for advanced degrees in law, public policy, or international relations. To fully capitalize on this, actively engage with Colby's extensive alumni network and pursue internships that align with your specific career interests early on.
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 Colby 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 Colby College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Colby College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colby 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 Colby College
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.