International Studiesat University of North Carolina Wilmington
Graduates earn $21,830/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $524K; scenarios range from $496K to $526K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of North Carolina Wilmington
The financial outcomes for International/Global Studies at UNCW reflect the program's context within a regional market, not a major international hub. While offering a robust foundational understanding of global dynamics, this degree often leads to generalist roles initially, particularly if you remain in the Wilmington area where international-focused opportunities are less prevalent and typically found in non-profits, local government, or education. Your career trajectory will depend heavily on how you specialize. Without a clear focus—like a specific language proficiency paired with business, data analytics, or a technical skill—graduates often enter fields where the international aspect is a bonus, not the core requirement for higher compensation. To truly leverage this degree for more competitive international roles, you'll need to actively seek internships and networking opportunities in major metropolitan centers or consider immediate graduate studies to specialize and differentiate your profile.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of North Carolina Wilmington's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering International Studies
How University of North Carolina Wilmington stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Carolina Wilmington, 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 →Frequently asked about International Studies at University of North Carolina Wilmington
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of North Carolina Wilmington a good choice for International Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Wilmington's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.