International Studies at University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,104/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI
10.8x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
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 | $576K | $572K | $539K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.9x | 10.8x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.3x | 4.3x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 50% | 45% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,550
11.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,705
102% growth from Year 1
About University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
$75,040/yr
Compare & Explore
International Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Kentucky
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of Kentucky?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of Kentucky a good choice for International Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kentucky's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →