International Studiesat University of Notre Dame
Graduates earn $69,362/yr in their first year — about 99.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $644K; scenarios range from $604K to $652K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Notre Dame
A Notre Dame International/Global Studies degree leverages the university's elite reputation and powerful alumni network to open doors in competitive fields. Your strong analytical skills, global perspective, and often, language proficiency, are highly valued across sectors, not just in traditional policy or academic roles. Many graduates find success in international consulting, finance, law, diplomacy, or global business development, where the ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes is critical. These diverse career paths, coupled with the rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, explain why graduates achieve such strong earning potential.
While some aspects of research or data synthesis might be augmented by AI, your core competencies in strategic thinking, cross-cultural negotiation, and nuanced communication remain difficult to automate, contributing to the moderate AI risk profile. To maximize your outcomes, actively engage with Notre Dame's robust career services and extensive alumni connections. Seek out internships in Washington D.C., New York, or abroad to translate your academic knowledge into practical experience and build your professional network early.
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 Notre Dame'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 Notre Dame stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Notre Dame
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame
How does University of Notre Dame's International Studies program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Notre Dame rank so high for International Studies?
The #17 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is International Studies at University of Notre Dame after financial aid?
Sticker price is $250,772, but the average net cost is $111,292 — a 56% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.