by our College Data Analytics Team
[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. The schools below stand out for the salaries their international studies graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 9 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.
Leading the list is Bentley University, our #1 for international studies graduate salaries in the New England Region. Located in the city of Waltham, Bentley University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from Bentley University typically earn about $75,006 annually.
Providence College produces some of the highest-paid graduates in international studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Providence, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career international studies graduates from Providence College make a median of around $71,548 per year.
Boston College produces some of the highest-paid graduates in international studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career international studies graduates from Boston College make a median of around $81,227 per year.
Colby College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Colby College is a private not-for-profit school located in the town of Waterville. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from Colby College typically earn about $79,364 annually.
Brandeis University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waltham. Early-career international studies graduates from Brandeis University make a median of around $69,903 per year.
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from Northeastern University Global Network typically earn about $95,765 annually.
College Of The Holy Cross ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Located in the city of Worcester, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. International Studies graduates of College Of The Holy Cross earn a median of about $46,530 a year early in their careers.
University Of Vermont ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying international studies schools. Set in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a public institution. After graduating, international studies degree recipients from University Of Vermont typically earn about $52,608 annually.
Emmanuel College Massachusetts placed #9 among the highest-paying schools for international studies. Set in the city of Boston, Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit institution. International Studies graduates of Emmanuel College Massachusetts earn a median of about $29,688 a year early in their careers.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries international studies graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 9 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.