International/Global Studies at Saginaw Valley State University

International/Global Studies programs across Michigan show a tight earnings cluster, and Saginaw Valley's estimated outcomes land right in the middle. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates typically earn around $38,400 in their first year—matching Michigan State and sitting well above the national median of $32,800. That's the good news. The challenge is the estimated $27,000 in debt, which runs about $5,000 higher than the national median for this degree. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it means graduates will need to budget carefully during those early career years.

What makes this harder to evaluate is that Michigan only has a handful of International/Global Studies programs with reported data, ranging from Western Michigan's $32,000 to U-M Ann Arbor's $44,000. Saginaw Valley's position in the middle suggests reasonable competitiveness, but without this school's actual graduate outcomes, you're making decisions based on neighboring programs rather than a track record. The field itself tends toward modest starting salaries nationally, and taking on above-average debt for below-average entry-level pay creates a tighter financial picture than many parents would prefer. If your student is committed to international affairs, confirm what career services and internship connections this specific program offers—those details matter more when you're working with estimated rather than proven outcomes.