International/Global Studies at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,854/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #46 of 81 International/Global Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International/Global Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $468K $469K $447K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Washington University in St Louis's International/Global Studies graduates start at $38,854/yr — above the $34,873 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,500 in median debt clears quickly against $38,854 in annual earnings.

At #46 out of 81 programs, Washington University in St Louis's financial outcomes for International/Global Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Washington University in St Louis

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to Washington University in St Louis, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,897 in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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/Global Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington University in St Louis

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

How does Washington University in St Louis's International/Global Studies program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for International/Global Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is International/Global Studies at Washington University in St Louis after financial aid?
Sticker price is $251,928, but the average net cost is $88,468 — a 65% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →