Compare 10 International/Globalization Studies. programs in California. Average earnings: $47,894.
The highest-earning International/Globalization Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $32K earnings gap across 10 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
UC San Diego's International/Globalization Studies program leads with graduates earning $63,294, well above the state average of $47,894. UCLA follows at $59,381, while UC Irvine rounds out the top three at $57,030. The UC system's dominance demonstrates how program strength varies independently of overall institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC San Diego graduates borrow $15,500 and face just a 5.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Thomas Aquinas College leads with a 12.4% family burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $63,294
Strong outcomes with 79% acceptance
5.2% payment burden | Excellent
12.4% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,294 | 631 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $59,381 | 43 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $57,030 | 194 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $52,229 | 366 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Pepperdine UniversityPrivate | $50,702 | 53 | $23,510 | Good | $41,309 | High |
| #6 | $46,660 | 64 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | High | |
| #7 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | $42,520 | 32 | $18,000 | Manageable | $0 | Manageable |
| #8 | $41,292 | 26 | $17,500 | Manageable | $18,275 | High | |
| #9 | $34,246 | 25 | $12,750 | Manageable | $16,836 | High | |
| #10 | $31,589 | 47 | $14,289 | Challenging | $15,177 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
