International Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,594/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your International/Global Studies degree from UW-Madison benefits significantly from the university's strong academic reputation and extensive alumni network, propelling graduates into roles with better compensation than many similar programs nationally. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, drawing on strengths in political science, economics, and various language departments, equips you with versatile analytical and cross-cultural communication skills. These capabilities are highly valued in diverse sectors, from federal agencies and non-profits focused on global development to international business operations, where human judgment and nuanced understanding remain critical. Your career path might involve policy analysis for government, project management for international NGOs, or market research for companies expanding globally. To truly maximize your outcomes, actively seek out internships or study abroad experiences that directly apply your knowledge to specific regions or global issues.

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 $588K $583K $549K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 13.0x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 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)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,732
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,225
51% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison's 43% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's International Studies program stand out?
Ranked #10 of 81 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →