International/Global Studies at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,147/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 50%

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 $563K $559K $528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,687
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,564
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,147/yr, International/Global Studies graduates from Western Michigan University land near the $34,873 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.1x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in International/Global Studies's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,687 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,147 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #39 of 81 International/Global Studies programs, Western Michigan University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $54,564 show a 70% jump from the $32,147 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Western Michigan University

With 85% of applicants admitted, Western Michigan University prioritizes broad access, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →

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 Western Michigan University

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International/Global Studies at Western Michigan University?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International/Global Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →