International/Global Studies at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

UIUC's International/Global Studies program produces earnings that lag significantly behind the national average, with graduates making about $2,400 less than their peers nationally within the first year. However, the state comparison tells a more nuanced story: this program sits at the median for Illinois, suggesting the issue isn't UIUC-specific but rather reflects the challenging economics of this field in the state. The $30,438 starting salary is roughly $17,000 below what typical UIUC graduates earn (around $48,000 across all programs), despite the university's strong academic reputation and selectivity.

The debt load of $21,628 is reasonable—just below the national average for this major—and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. While the first-year salary falls short, graduates from this program typically have skills that can translate into various career paths, including graduate school, international business, or government work where earnings may improve significantly over time. The moderate sample size suggests steady but not overwhelming interest in the program.

For parents evaluating this program, the key question is whether your student plans to pursue further education or has a clear career path where global studies credentials add value. If this is a stepping stone to law school, an MBA, or federal service, the modest starting salary matters less. If your student expects to enter the workforce immediately with just a bachelor's degree, they should understand they'll likely earn below UIUC's average and need a strong plan for career development beyond that first year.