International/Global Studies at Western Michigan University

Western Michigan's International Studies program faces a significant challenge: graduates earn roughly $6,200 less than the median for Michigan programs in this field, landing in just the 25th percentile statewide. That gap matters when you're starting at $32,147—about $2,000 below even the national median. Graduates from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the same program earn nearly $12,000 more in their first year, while Michigan State matches the state median at $38,410.

The financial picture does improve modestly, with earnings climbing 14% to $36,596 by year four. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable—actually well below national averages for this degree—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 means graduates should be able to handle their loans. Still, that lower starting salary creates a longer runway to financial stability compared to peers at other Michigan schools.

Here's what matters most: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary widely. If your child is considering this path, understand they'll likely start at the lower end of Michigan's earnings range for global studies majors. The program might make sense if combined with a strong minor, internships, or clear career direction that leads to higher-paying roles. But on earnings alone, Michigan's other public universities deliver stronger outcomes in this field.