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International Studies at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,660/yr (34% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Studying International/Global Studies at Berkeley positions you uniquely, leveraging the university's prestige and its Bay Area location. Your strong earning potential reflects not just a rigorous academic foundation but also the region's concentration of global tech firms, international NGOs, and innovative startups seeking talent with cross-cultural understanding. This interdisciplinary program hones critical thinking, language proficiency, and nuanced geopolitical analysis—skills highly valued in roles from international business development and foreign service to policy analysis at think tanks. The moderate AI risk reflects that human diplomacy, complex negotiation, and cultural intelligence remain irreplaceable. To maximize your outcome, actively pursue internships with global companies or organizations, and deeply engage with Berkeley's extensive alumni network in your chosen field.

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 $515K $514K $487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.7x 8.7x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,636
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley admits 12% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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) College of the Holy Cross ($46,530) North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($45,648)

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

Computer Science ($149,866) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($137,295) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($90,008) Operations Research ($88,685) Mechanical Engineering ($88,497) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($88,030) Statistics ($83,227) Chemical Engineering ($81,553)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of California-Berkeley?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for International Studies?
Among 81 International Studies programs, University of California-Berkeley's #18 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 →