International/Global Studies at University of Central Florida
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UCF's International/Global Studies program ranks in the 80th percentile among Florida schools for earnings—meaning it outperforms 4 out of 5 comparable programs in the state. First-year graduates earn $38,953, significantly above Florida's median of $30,861 for this degree and even exceeding top programs at UNF and UF. With debt under $21,000 and strong earnings growth to $51,256 by year four, the financial fundamentals look solid.
That 32% earnings increase from year one to year four is particularly encouraging for a field where career advancement often requires building specialized knowledge and networks. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates owe roughly half of their first-year salary—manageable territory that leaves room for typical living expenses in the Orlando metro area.
The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians. Still, for families considering international studies programs in Florida, UCF appears to deliver stronger financial outcomes than most alternatives, with the added advantage of a large university's career resources and proximity to international business hubs in Orlando and Tampa.
Where University of Central Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international/global studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Central Florida graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all international/global studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
International/Global Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | $38,953 | $51,256 | $20,142 | 0.52 |
| University of North Florida | $30,861 | $40,952 | $18,625 | 0.60 |
| University of Florida | $29,043 | $49,731 | $12,000 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $32,819 | — | $21,966 | 0.67 |
Other International/Global Studies Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida Jacksonville | $6,389 | $30,861 | $18,625 |
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $29,043 | $12,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Central Florida, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.