International Studiesat St Lawrence University
Graduates earn $26,016/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $525K; scenarios range from $497K to $527K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at St Lawrence University
The data here suggests a unique challenge for International/Global Studies graduates from St. Lawrence. While this field often leads to dynamic careers, the regional labor market around Canton, NY, isn't a major hub for the international organizations, NGOs, or global corporations that typically recruit for these roles. This geographical disconnect means you might face an uphill battle finding direct entry into the most competitive or highest-paying positions locally, potentially requiring relocation for initial opportunities.
A broad liberal arts degree in this field, while fostering critical thinking, might also mean you'll need to proactively build highly specialized, applied skills (like advanced data analysis, specific regional language fluency, or project management in a global context) to stand out. Many graduates find initial roles in education or non-profits before transitioning. If you pursue this path, prioritize extensive internships far from campus and aggressively network to establish pipelines to employers in major metropolitan centers or abroad.
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 St Lawrence University'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 St Lawrence University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at St Lawrence University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at St Lawrence University, 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 St Lawrence University
What does a 10/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at St Lawrence University?
At 10/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a International Studies degree from St Lawrence University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is St Lawrence University a good choice for International Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If St Lawrence University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for International Studies at St Lawrence University?
The 52% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $255,480. At a net cost of $122,244, the earnings multiple improves substantially.