International/Global Studies at East Texas Baptist University

A bachelor's in International/Global Studies from East Texas Baptist University comes with an estimated $24,162 in debt—slightly above both the state and national medians for this major. While this debt load isn't extreme, it represents about 67% of projected first-year earnings, which based on comparable programs in Texas suggest around $36,305. That's a manageable ratio by current standards, though it means graduates would need to dedicate a significant chunk of early paychecks to loan repayment.

The estimated earnings align with the Texas median for this field, placing the program in the middle of the pack statewide. Similar programs at UT Austin and Texas A&M produce notably higher first-year earnings (around $42,000), but peer institutions like Saint Edward's University show comparable outcomes. For a small Baptist university in Marshall, these numbers suggest the program holds its own against larger state schools in a competitive field. The 31% Pell grant population indicates the school serves students who may be particularly sensitive to the debt burden.

The key consideration here is career direction. International studies graduates typically need graduate degrees or specific language/regional expertise to access higher-paying positions, so these first-year figures may not capture the full earnings trajectory. If your child is planning to leverage this degree into graduate school or government/nonprofit work where loan forgiveness programs exist, the debt level is workable. If they're expecting to enter the job market directly without additional credentials, ensure they have a concrete plan for how this degree translates into employment.