International/Global Studies at Midwestern State University

Based on comparable International/Global Studies programs in Texas, first-year earnings around $36,300 against roughly $21,300 in debt creates a manageable financial picture—though parents should recognize these figures reflect peer programs rather than this specific school's outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while establishing their careers, and the estimated debt sits slightly below what similar Texas programs typically produce.

The earnings estimate matches Texas's median for this field and actually exceeds the national benchmark by about $3,500. That said, International/Global Studies programs show significant variation even within Texas—UT Austin and Texas A&M graduates in this major earn roughly $6,000 more annually, while Texas Tech's alumni start about $3,000 lower. Without program-specific data from Midwestern State, it's unclear where their graduates actually land within this range, which matters considerably for first-year financial stability.

For families at an institution where 40% of students receive Pell grants, the approximately $21,300 debt load represents real money, even if the ratio looks reasonable on paper. The uncertainty here cuts both ways: actual outcomes could be better or worse than these state-level estimates. If your student is committed to international affairs work, this path appears financially viable based on peer programs, but request placement data and alumni outcomes directly from the university before committing.