International Studies at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$38,410/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI
9.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
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 | $608K | $603K | $566K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.5x | 9.4x | 8.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 50% | 45% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,935
64% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 40,243 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
$75,040/yr
Compare & Explore
International Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at Michigan State University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Michigan State University one of the best schools for International Studies?
Among 81 International Studies programs, Michigan State University's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →