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International Studies at The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,390/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 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 Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $616K $609K $572K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,792
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,992
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,486
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,390 per year, International Studies graduates from The University of the South earn slightly above the $34,873 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #32 ranking among 81 International Studies programs places The University of the South in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $42,390-to-$65,486 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of the South

The University of the South accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,598 students in Sewanee, TN. The average net cost of $109,992 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of the South →

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 Studies →

International 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 The University of the South

Economics ($58,532) Psychology, General ($35,379) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($35,204) Political Science and Government ($31,831) English Language and Literature, General ($31,218) Biology, General ($23,932)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare International 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

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at The University of the South?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →