International/Global Studies at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's International/Global Studies program significantly outperforms expectations, with first-year graduates earning $45,168—nearly 38% more than the national median and 32% above California's average for this field. Among California's 32 programs, UCSD ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only UC Berkeley in earnings outcomes. The strong 40% earnings growth from year one to year four demonstrates solid career progression, reaching $63,294 by the fourth year.

The financial picture is particularly compelling. At $16,500 in median debt, graduates owe slightly more than the California average but substantially less than the national median of $21,966. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37, meaning graduates can expect to earn nearly three times their debt load in their first year alone. The combination of UC San Diego's academic prestige and relatively affordable in-state tuition makes this program accessible to middle-class families.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers are reassuring. Your child would graduate from a highly selective institution (25% admission rate) with debt levels that won't constrain their post-graduation choices, while entering a career track that shows consistent income growth. This represents one of the stronger value propositions in International Studies nationwide.