International Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,446/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Your UMich International/Global Studies degree benefits significantly from the university's formidable national and international reputation. This isn't a narrow vocational path; its strength lies in developing critical analytical skills, cross-cultural competence, and advanced communication, highly valued across diverse sectors. The robust alumni network and Ann Arbor's strong academic ecosystem attract recruiters from global corporations, government agencies like the State Department, international NGOs, and top consulting firms seeking broadly educated talent. Many graduates leverage this foundation for further studies in law, public policy, or advanced research. You'll often start in analyst, program coordinator, or project management roles, with the potential to grow into leadership positions. To maximize your prospects, prioritize internships, language fluency, and consider a complementary minor in economics or data science to add a tangible skill set.

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 $662K $653K $611K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.5x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,240
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,091
62% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A 18% acceptance rate puts University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →