International Studiesat University of California-Riverside
Graduates earn $21,428/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $565K; scenarios range from $532K to $568K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Riverside
The outcomes for International/Global Studies graduates from UC Riverside suggest a regional labor market that differs from national trends for this major. While the degree cultivates valuable cross-cultural understanding and analytical skills, the Inland Empire economy may not offer as many high-paying roles directly leveraging these specializations as other major metropolitan areas. Many graduates likely find positions in local government, non-profits, education, or general business administration, where initial salaries might be lower than those found in global corporations or federal agencies typically hiring in more established international hubs. The listed career paths like political scientists or postsecondary teachers represent aspirational roles often requiring advanced degrees or significant experience, rather than typical entry points for undergraduates.
To maximize your earning potential, consider pairing your strong analytical and cultural skills with a practical, in-demand specialization. Pursuing minors or certifications in areas like data analysis, project management, or a specific foreign language, combined with strategic internships, can open doors to higher-paying opportunities, potentially requiring geographic flexibility beyond the immediate region.
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 UC Riverside'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 UC Riverside stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Riverside
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Riverside, 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 UC Riverside
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Studies at University of California-Riverside?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with International Studies from University of California-Riverside?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.