International Studies at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
50
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,168/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your strong performance here reflects UCSD's rigorous academic environment and its prime location. The San Diego region is a hub for international business, defense, and cross-border innovation, directly impacting the value of this degree. You'll find graduates leveraging their critical thinking and language skills in a variety of roles, from international project management at biotech firms like Illumina to policy analysis for NGOs and government agencies with global reach. The program's interdisciplinary nature, likely emphasizing research methods and regional expertise, prepares you for complex challenges that automation simply cannot replicate, explaining the moderate AI risk. Many graduates find success in roles requiring nuanced cultural understanding, negotiation, and strategic communication. To maximize your trajectory, actively seek out internships that provide direct exposure to global operations, particularly those requiring strong analytical or cross-cultural communication skills.

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 $673K $664K $621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 10.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 50 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)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,765
63% growth from Year 1

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

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-San Diego

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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of California-San Diego?
At 50/100, University of California-San Diego's International Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is University of California-San Diego one of the best schools for International Studies?
Among 81 International Studies programs, University of California-San Diego's #3 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 →