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. The schools below stand out for the salaries their international studies graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find where international studies graduates earn the most.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send international studies graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Washington University In St Louis earned the #1 spot for highest-paid international studies graduates in Missouri. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. International Studies graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of about $38,854 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes Missouri State University Springfield one of the highest-paying schools for international studies. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school located in the city of Springfield. Early-career international studies graduates from Missouri State University Springfield make a median of around $27,814 per year.
A rank of #3 makes Southeast Missouri State University one of the highest-paying schools for international studies. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. International Studies graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of about $25,984 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced 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 · 3 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.