International/Global Studies at Andrews University

Based on comparable International/Global Studies programs in Michigan, Andrews produces estimated first-year earnings of $38,410—squarely at the state median and notably above the $32,819 national benchmark. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where many graduates struggle to break $35,000 in their first year. The estimated debt load of $24,162 creates a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle repayment while building their careers.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With too few graduates to produce school-specific data, you're essentially betting that Andrews tracks closely with peer programs in Michigan rather than underperforming them. The estimation draws from just three state programs, and outcomes can vary significantly based on internship networks, language offerings, and career services—factors that don't show up in aggregate statistics. Michigan State hits the same earnings figure with actual reported data, while Western Michigan trails by $6,000, illustrating the real variation you might encounter.

For an anxious parent, the key question is whether you're comfortable with this level of ambiguity at a tuition price that produces nearly $25,000 in debt. If your student has specific career goals in international development, diplomacy, or global business, direct conversations with Andrews about recent graduate placements and internship partnerships would matter more than these estimates. The numbers suggest reasonable value if outcomes align with state peers, but you're investing without the data confirmation that larger programs provide.