International/Global Studies at Boston College

Boston College graduates with International/Global Studies degrees earn substantially more than most peers nationwide—hitting the 95th percentile with $51,371 in first-year earnings compared to a national median of just $32,819. That's a 57% premium over the typical graduate in this field. The $19,000 in median debt is also below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that should be manageable for most graduates.

The Massachusetts context adds nuance: while Boston College outperforms the field nationally, it lands in the middle of the pack among Bay State schools (60th percentile), trailing programs like Bentley's ($75,006) by a significant margin. Still, the four-year earnings trajectory shows healthy 17% growth to $60,157, suggesting graduates are building career momentum rather than plateauing early.

For an anxious parent, the calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn enough to handle the debt comfortably while accessing Boston College's prestigious network and the career doors that selective schools open. This isn't the highest-earning International Studies program in Massachusetts, but it delivers significantly better outcomes than most alternatives nationwide—and at a highly selective institution where 16% admissions and 1501 average SATs signal strong peer networks. If your student is passionate about global affairs and can get admitted, the financial fundamentals support the investment.