International/Global Studies at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon's International/Global Studies program starts graduates at just $28,502—about $4,300 below the national median—but the story improves considerably over time. Four years out, earnings jump 46% to $41,566, suggesting graduates are finding their footing in careers that require some runway. Among Oregon's ten International/Global Studies programs, this one sits at the median for both earnings and debt, making it the typical in-state option rather than a standout.

The debt picture helps offset the slow start. At $19,500, graduates carry about 68 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year earnings, a manageable ratio that gives breathing room during those initial lower-earning years. This is roughly $2,500 less debt than the national median for this degree, which matters when you're making less than $30,000 in year one.

The real question is whether that earnings trajectory continues upward. International/Global Studies careers often involve entry-level positions in nonprofits, government, or education before transitioning to better-paying roles. If your child has specific career plans in international development, diplomacy, or global business—and patience for a gradual climb—the reasonable debt load makes this workable. But if they're still exploring, the low first-year earnings and below-average national ranking (23rd percentile) mean they should have a clear rationale for choosing this major over more immediately lucrative alternatives at UO.