Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,310/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,310/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,857 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $60,523 | $74,123 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $56,544 | $80,881 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| International Business. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Master | $52,941 | $76,938 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $46,869 | $66,117 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $40,485 | $77,000 |
Analysis
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey delivers mixed financial returns, with earnings that rarely justify the specialized graduate programs' costs. The school's median debt sits surprisingly low at under $14,000, but this figure masks the reality that most students here are pursuing graduate degrees with significantly higher borrowing.
Your program choice determines everything financially at this school. International Relations majors face the harshest reality, earning around $56,000-$60,000 annually while carrying debt loads exceeding $74,000. Public Administration graduates fare similarly poorly, with median debt of $80,881 against earnings of just $56,544. These debt-to-income ratios spell financial trouble for most graduates.
International Business offers slightly better prospects at $55,512 in earnings, though specific debt data suggests borrowing remains substantial. Language studies programs present the worst financial outlook, combining relatively low earnings with debt approaching $77,000.
The Institute's specialized focus creates geographic and industry constraints that limit your earning potential. Monterey's job market cannot absorb most graduates at salaries that make sense given the debt loads, forcing many to relocate for better opportunities.
This school works financially only if you have substantial family support, employer sponsorship, or plan to leverage the programs for federal government positions with loan forgiveness options. The extremely low percentage receiving aid signals limited institutional financial support for most students.
You should look elsewhere if you need to borrow heavily for graduate school. The specialized international focus may appeal to your career interests, but the financial mathematics rarely work out favorably for typical borrowers in these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey worth the cost?
The school's median debt of $13,857 is relatively low, but graduates earn $76,310 after 10 years, which is solid for specialized international studies programs. The ROI works if you land jobs that use the specialized skills, but many international relations careers start with lower pay.
What are the highest paying programs at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey?
International Relations and National Security Studies leads at $60,523, followed by Public Administration at $56,544. These numbers are decent for the field, though International Business and language studies programs show lower returns around $52,000-$55,000.
How much debt do students typically have after Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey?
The median debt is $13,857, which is much lower than most graduate programs. This low debt load helps the overall ROI, since many international studies careers require building experience at entry-level salaries before higher earnings kick in.
Do Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey graduates get good jobs?
Graduates earn $76,310 on average after 10 years, which is reasonable for international studies fields. However, job markets in diplomacy, international development, and related fields are competitive and often require geographic flexibility or additional experience.