International/Global Studies at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,892/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International/Global Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $560K $556K $525K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.5x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,340
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,974
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,892/yr, International/Global Studies graduates from University of Colorado Boulder land near the $34,873 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,340 debt-to-$33,892 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #36 out of 81 programs, University of Colorado Boulder's International/Global Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $33,892 to $54,974 over five years (62% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, with 31,578 students enrolled in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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/Global Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

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

How does University of Colorado Boulder's International/Global Studies program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for International/Global Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →