International Studiesat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $42,197/yr in their first year — about 21.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $488K; scenarios range from $464K to $488K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
Your International/Global Studies degree from UVA benefits significantly from the university's elite reputation and its proximity to Washington D.C., directly influencing the strong career starts you'll see. Employers in government agencies, international NGOs, and global consulting firms actively recruit from UVA, valuing the rigorous critical thinking and comprehensive global perspectives developed here.
While listed careers like political scientist are possible, many graduates leverage their skills into roles in diplomacy, intelligence, policy analysis, or even international business. The moderate AI risk reflects that while some data analysis tasks may be automated, your core strengths in cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and complex geopolitical understanding remain highly valued. To truly maximize your trajectory, actively pursue internships in D.C. or abroad and leverage UVA's powerful alumni network in these interconnected fields.
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 Virginia'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 Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, 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 Virginia
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Studies at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.