by our College Data Analytics Team
[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying international studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose international studies graduates go on to earn the most.
University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania typically earn about $279,784 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in international studies will find them at American Public University System, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. International Studies graduates of American Public University System earn a median of about $101,501 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in international studies will find them at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus typically earn about $87,020 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in international studies will find them at Northeastern University Global Network, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. International Studies graduates of Northeastern University Global Network earn a median of about $95,765 a year early in their careers.
Florida International University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in international studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a public institution. Early-career international studies graduates from Florida International University make a median of around $79,598 per year.
University Of San Francisco ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. Early-career international studies graduates from University Of San Francisco make a median of around $86,010 per year.
University Of Southern California landed the #7 spot for international studies salaries this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from University Of Southern California typically earn about $58,010 annually.
University Of Utah placed #8 among the highest-paying schools for international studies. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a public institution. Early-career international studies graduates from University Of Utah make a median of around $55,241 per year.
Northwest University came in at #9 for international studies graduate earnings this year. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the international studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $59,535.
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies landed the #10 spot for international studies salaries this year. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the international studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $59,535.
University Of Arizona ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a public institution. International Studies graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of about $46,539 a year early in their careers.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare highest-paid International Studies rankings across degree levels:
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their international studies graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 11 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.