International/Global Studies at University of Virginia-Main Campus

UVA's International Studies program delivers earnings well above what most graduates in this field see—beating the national median by nearly $10,000 in the first year. At $42,197, these outcomes place graduates in the 85th percentile nationally, which is impressive for a major that typically leads to modest early-career earnings. The debt load of $19,500 is reasonable, translating to a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be manageable on this salary.

The Virginia context adds nuance: while these earnings outperform the state median by about $6,000, UVA ranks in the 60th percentile among Virginia's eight programs offering this major. That suggests the state has some strong competitors, though UVA still delivers solid results. The combination of the institution's prestige, strong alumni network, and competitive admission standards likely helps graduates access opportunities that translate to better initial salaries than most International Studies majors secure.

For families weighing this program, the fundamentals look sound. Graduates leave with below-average debt for their field while earning significantly more than typical International Studies majors nationwide. The first-year salary won't rival engineering or business outcomes, but it's strong relative to expectations for global studies, and the debt burden shouldn't constrain career choices in public service or international development—paths many graduates pursue.