Specialization

International Education

International Education graduates earn $78,359 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About International Education

International Education is a focused area of study within Education. Graduates typically earn around $78,359 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 27 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 317 students complete this program each year, most earning 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?

International Education graduates earn $78,359 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $40,723 climbs to $78,359 by year four.

$40,723
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$78,359
4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$79,640
4-Year Institutional Median

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.

Master's 75%
Post-Bacc Cert. 14%
Bachelor's 7%

What Can You Do With an International Education Degree?

International Education connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Training and Development Managers leads at $133,000/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +17.3%
$107,310
$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally
↘ -1.5%
$105,870
$86K $135K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 20,800 openings/yr 328K employed nationally
↗ +8.5%
$105,650
$82K $141K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 2,000 openings/yr 29K employed nationally
↗ +2.6%
$103,170
$77K $136K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 10K employed nationally
↗ +8.8%
$101,860
$78K $133K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 98,100 openings/yr 898K employed nationally
↗ +2.5%
$100,310
$74K $133K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,300 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Top Colleges for International Education

The 12 colleges below are ranked by how many International Education students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# 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 a International Education program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

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.

PROS
  • 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 +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 169,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • 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?
International Education graduates earn a national median of $78,359 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,183 and above median. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a International Education degree?
One year after graduation, International Education degree holders earn a median of $40,723. That climbs to $78,359 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a International Education degree?
International Education degree holders pursue careers including Training and Development Managers, which pays a median of $133,000/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a International Education program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many International Education students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer International Education?
27 colleges and universities in the United States offer International Education programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a International Education degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $78,359 and an average net price of roughly $28,318/yr, a International Education degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between International Education and Education?
International Education is a focused concentration within the broader Education field. The Education major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to International Education-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in International Education graduates?
Employers hiring International Education graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Is graduate school worth it for International Education graduates?
With a median salary of $78,359, graduate study in International Education can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for International Education graduates?
The job outlook for International Education graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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