International Education
International Education graduates earn $78,359 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.9%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
About International Education
This page covers International Education as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Education and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
International Education is a focused area of study within Education. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $78,359 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 27 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 317 students complete it each year, most walking away with a master's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $40,723
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $78,359
- Colleges Offering
- 27
- Graduates / Year
- 317
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $28,318
How Much Do International Education Graduates Earn?
Four years after finishing International Education, a typical graduate earns $78,359, above the national median for college graduates. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $40,723 at one year out to $78,359 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.
What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
Above the national median for college graduates.
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 317 students who complete International Education programs each year, the majority (75%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
What Can You Do With an International Education Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. International Education graduates show up in 8 different occupations, and Training and Development Managers pay the most at $133,000/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
The best-paid of these is what Training and Development Managers earn and how fast those roles are growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.
Top Colleges for International Education
Not sure where to study International Education? These 12 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at George Washington University, and the rest follow the same measures.
| # | College | Graduates | Acceptance | Net Price/yr | Earnings 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit | 79 | 47.1% | $36,586 | $90,873 |
| 2 | New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit | 27 | 9.2% | $37,050 | $82,509 |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NC · Nonprofit | 20 | 5.7% | $29,612 | $97,800 |
| 4 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit | 13 | 81.6% | $36,079 | $71,530 |
| 5 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA · Nonprofit | 11 | 16.4% | $41,704 | $103,937 |
| 6 | American University Washington, DC · Nonprofit | 10 | 62% | $41,943 | $77,370 |
| 7 | Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public | 7 | 78.2% | $16,264 | $63,742 |
| 8 | University at Albany Albany, NY · Public | 7 | 69.1% | $17,167 | $67,979 |
| 9 | Florida International University Miami, FL · Public | 6 | 54.7% | $9,288 | $60,249 |
| 10 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH · Public | 5 | 86.3% | $20,787 | $45,388 |
| 11 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX · Public | 5 | 90.3% | $16,404 | $54,211 |
| 12 | Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA · Nonprofit | 2 | 25.9% | $36,931 | $105,584 |
Ranked by International Education graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of an International Education program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if an International Education degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
International Education Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth make International Education a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
- Strong median salary Graduates earn $78,359 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
- Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $40,723 at graduation to $78,359 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
- Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +17.9% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
- Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 162,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
- Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
- Limited program availability Only 27 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
International Education Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do International Education graduates earn?
What is the starting salary for an International Education degree?
What jobs can you get with an International Education degree?
How long does an International Education program take?
How many colleges offer International Education?
Is an International Education degree worth it?
What is the difference between International Education and Education?
What skills do employers look for in International Education graduates?
Is graduate school worth it for International Education graduates?
What is the job outlook for International Education graduates?
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