International/Global Studies at Merrimack College

Similar international studies programs in Massachusetts typically produce first-year earnings around $46,500—a meaningful premium over the national median of $32,800 for this field. Massachusetts appears to be one of the stronger states for launching global studies careers, perhaps due to the concentration of international organizations, consulting firms, and NGOs in the Boston area. The estimated debt load of $23,600, based on comparable programs at Merrimack, translates to a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The state context matters here. While we can't know precisely how Merrimack's graduates fare, other Massachusetts programs show considerable variation: Bentley's international studies grads earn $75,000 in their first year, while Emmanuel's earn under $30,000. That $45,000 range suggests the internships you secure, the networks you build, and how you position yourself matter enormously in this field. The middle-of-the-road admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment at Merrimack hint at a student body that may already have professional connections, which could influence outcomes.

For anxious parents, the practical question is whether your child will leverage Boston's international business ecosystem effectively. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable financial foundation—not the struggle you'd see at many international studies programs nationally—but graduation alone won't guarantee the higher end of what's possible in Massachusetts.