International Studiesat Macalester College
Graduates earn $21,176/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $614K; scenarios range from $576K to $620K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Macalester College
While Macalester offers an exceptional liberal arts education, particularly in global contexts, prospective International/Global Studies majors should understand the typical career trajectory here. This broad, interdisciplinary field, focused on critical analysis rather than specific vocational training, often leads to roles in non-profits, government, or further academic pursuits. These impactful paths, common for Macalester graduates, generally offer lower starting salaries than more specialized or quantitative degrees. The program excels at developing thoughtful global citizens, but doesn't inherently build direct, high-earning vocational pipelines immediately post-graduation. Even in the Twin Cities, competition for international-focused roles can be high, often favoring those with advanced degrees or highly specialized skills. If this path calls to you, strategically combine your studies with a marketable skill—perhaps a quantitative minor, advanced language proficiency, or a clear plan for immediate graduate school—to enhance your early career earning potential.
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 Macalester 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 Macalester College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Macalester College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Macalester 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 Macalester College
How does Macalester College's International Studies program score?
This program scores 9/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Macalester College International Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are International Studies earnings lower at Macalester College?
Lower starting pay at Macalester College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is International Studies at Macalester College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,632, but the average net cost is $119,920 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.