International/Global Studies at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

At $43,897 four years out, UNC Charlotte's International/Global Studies program lands squarely in the middle nationally but outperforms most North Carolina alternatives—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. That matters because the state median sits at just $27,640, making Charlotte's outcomes 59% higher than the typical NC global studies program. The $32,206 starting salary feels modest, but the 36% earnings jump by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that reward international experience and cultural competency over time.

The $24,250 debt load is reasonable for these outcomes, representing about nine months of first-year earnings. While NC State grads earn more initially ($45,648), they likely pay higher tuition premiums for that access. Charlotte offers something of a middle path: accessible admission (80% acceptance rate), manageable debt, and earnings that accelerate as graduates gain experience. The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the overall trajectory looks stable.

For families seeking an international studies degree without paying private school prices or taking on excessive debt, this program delivers solid regional value. Your child won't start with a high salary, but if they're patient through those early career years, the earnings growth pattern suggests employers increasingly value what this degree provides.