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International/Global Studies at Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Global 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/Global 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/Global 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/Global Studies →

International/Global 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/Global 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/Global Studies program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for International/Global Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is International/Global 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 →