International/Global Studies at The New School

The New School's International/Global Studies program produces graduates earning $27,652 their first year—about $8,000 below the national median for this field. While that ranks in just the 19th percentile nationally, context matters: among New York's 24 similar programs, it sits right at the 40th percentile, falling between Hofstra ($30,759) and St. Lawrence ($26,016). The moderate debt load of $22,792 is actually below New York's state median of $26,312, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.82.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, but the 31% earnings growth to $36,196 by year four suggests graduates gain traction over time. That four-year figure moves closer to competitive territory, though still trails stronger performers like University at Albany. For families considering this program, recognize you're paying New York tuition rates for middling New York outcomes—not a terrible position given the contained debt, but not a standout either. This makes most sense for students deeply committed to The New School's urban, progressive approach who understand they'll need to hustle early in their careers to translate a global studies degree into solid earnings.