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Multi / Interdisciplinary · International Studies Rank #69 of 81

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.

Riverside, CA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
20 AT RISK
21
Optimistic
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,428
1-year post-graduation
ROI
7.6x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$565K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
36% task exposure
Program Analysis

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.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$532K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple9.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$565K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score20/100
Earnings Multiple10.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$568K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score21/100
Earnings Multiple10.0x
Earnings Trajectory

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.

Career Paths

Where International Studies graduates typically work

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.

1
Political scientists
-3.1% 10-yr growth · 500 openings/yr
$139,380/yr
Moderate
2
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 1,500 openings/yr
$75,040/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering International Studies

How UC Riverside stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Bentley University
MA · Private nonprofit
41
DW Score
$75K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
40
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
1.8x
ROI
Top score
American Public University System
WV · Private for-profit
64
DW Score
$64K
1-yr earn
23.8x
ROI
Ohio State University-Main Campus
OH · Public
45
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
9.7x
ROI
Boston College
MA · Private nonprofit
41
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
2.0x
ROI
Also at UC Riverside

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 →
FAQ

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.