Analysis
Michigan State's International/Global Studies graduates start at $38,410—slightly below their Ann Arbor counterparts but substantially ahead of the $32,819 national median. What's more impressive is what happens next: earnings jump 45% to $55,524 by year four, suggesting this degree opens doors that take time to unlock. At the state's median for earnings among Michigan programs, MSU holds its own in a competitive field.
The financial picture is remarkably clean. At $27,000, debt loads match the state median and sit at just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable from day one, and by year four when earnings approach $56,000, those loans become considerably easier to service. This is particularly notable given that MSU admits 84% of applicants, making this outcome accessible to a broad range of students.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual career paths can vary, but the strong earnings trajectory suggests this program successfully prepares students for careers in international business, diplomacy, or nonprofit work where experience compounds value. For families concerned about liberal arts degrees, this combination of reasonable debt and proven earnings growth offers meaningful reassurance.
Where Michigan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international/global studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $38,410 | $55,524 | +45% |
| American Public University System | $64,133 | $73,010 | +14% |
| Drexel University | $40,189 | $65,148 | +62% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $44,446 | $62,313 | +40% |
| Western Michigan University | $32,147 | $36,596 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
International/Global Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $38,410 | $55,524 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $44,446 | $62,313 | $15,053 | 0.34 |
 Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo | $15,298 | $32,147 | $36,596 | $27,000 | 0.84 |
| National Median | — | $32,819 | — | $21,966 | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with international/global studies graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Michigan State University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 75 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.