International/Global Studies at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's International/Global Studies program stands out dramatically in both national and state contexts, with graduates earning $45,648 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile among all such programs nationwide and across North Carolina. To put that in perspective, these graduates earn 39% more than the national median for this degree and a striking 65% more than the typical NC program. Even compared to UNC Charlotte's well-regarded program, NC State graduates start with a $13,000 advantage.

The $22,500 in median debt sits right at national norms and represents a remarkably manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates can reasonably pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment. The slight earnings dip to $44,769 by year four is worth monitoring, though this could reflect career transitions common in international fields or the moderate sample size introducing some statistical noise.

For a selective public university (40% admission rate, 1380 SAT average), NC State appears to have built exceptional connections in international business, government, or nonprofit sectors. If your child is drawn to global affairs, this program delivers concrete career traction that most International Studies degrees simply don't—especially in North Carolina, where it dramatically outperforms every peer institution.