International/Global Studies at Missouri State University-Springfield

A $27,814 starting salary puts Missouri State's International/Global Studies graduates roughly $5,000 behind the national median, landing in just the 19th percentile nationally. What complicates the picture: this figure actually represents the median for all Missouri programs in this field. With only 10 schools offering the degree statewide and fewer than 30 graduates tracked here, you're looking at limited data that may not reflect typical outcomes. Washington University graduates in this program earn $11,000 more their first year, though that gap likely reflects both WashU's elite status and the concentration of its graduates in higher-paying metro areas.

The debt load of $24,750 is actually slightly above the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89—meaning graduates owe nearly a full year's salary. That's manageable compared to many programs, but only if earnings grow from that modest starting point. International studies degrees typically require additional credentials or language skills to reach competitive salaries, so first-year earnings often understate long-term potential.

For families seeking an affordable path to global affairs work, this program keeps debt reasonable at an accessible state school. However, the low starting salary means graduates will likely need graduate school, specific language expertise, or strategic internships to reach middle-class earnings. If your student is considering this field, they should have a clear post-graduation plan—whether that's the Foreign Service exam, graduate school, or corporate international roles that value the credential.