International Studies
Quick Facts: International Studies Training
Where it's offered
International Studies programs are offered at 2 schools across 2 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $43,014/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
There are no Department of Labor registered apprenticeship pathways currently mapped to International Studies, but related trades may have programs — check apprenticeship.gov directly.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 2 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 39/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What International Studies Graduates Do
Your understanding of global systems can lead you down two primary paths. The most common route is becoming a postsecondary instructor, often starting at a community college. Your days are spent crafting lectures on world history or political economy, leading classroom debates, and providing detailed feedback on student research papers. Progression typically requires an advanced degree (like a Ph.D.) to secure tenured university positions, where your focus shifts more toward publishing original research and mentoring graduate students.
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Alternatively, you could become a political scientist for a government agency or think tank. This path is more analytical: you’ll use statistical software to model political trends, write in-depth policy briefs, and present findings to decision-makers. Entry-level roles support senior analysts, who eventually go on to direct major research projects. While this specialized field is more competitive, it offers higher earning potential for experienced experts. AI may help analyze data sets, but interpreting complex human systems and advising leaders remains your core, human-centric skill.
You may also want to compare International Studies with International Relations, Social Sciences Studies, and Urban & Regional Planning on earnings and ROI.
Find International Studies Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. International Studies is offered at 2 schools across 2 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top International Studies Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring International Studies programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
2 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ |
51 50–52 |
| 2 | DePaul University Chicago, IL |
41 39–42 |
Highest Earning International Studies Programs
Schools where International Studies graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $44,391/yr | 51 |
| DePaul University | $41,636/yr | 41 |
Best ROI for International Studies
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for International Studies.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 35.8x | $44,391/yr | 51 |
| DePaul University | 8.4x | $41,636/yr | 41 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how International Studies degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.