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International Studies at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,082/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Your choice to pursue International/Global Studies at a globally-recognized institution like UCLA places you in a strong position. The inherent value here isn't just the curriculum, but the comprehensive university ecosystem: top-tier faculty, highly motivated peers, and unparalleled networking opportunities in a city that’s a hub for international business, entertainment, and non-profits. The program's interdisciplinary nature means you're developing critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding—highly valued soft skills in any professional environment. Employers, from international NGOs and think tanks to global corporations and government agencies with an LA presence, actively recruit from UCLA, knowing graduates possess a strong foundational intellect. To maximize your competitive edge, actively pursue internships and develop proficiency in a foreign language; these concrete experiences will translate your broad knowledge into specific career pathways.

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	$735K	$723K	$674K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.2x	12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	50%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	48	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,000

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$77,658

99% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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

International Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

Consider the Trade Route?

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 48/100, 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 →