International Relations graduates earn $66,596 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,031 and $87,798. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
International Relations is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $66,596 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 451 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 14,086 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$38,250
Median Earnings · 4yr
$66,596
Colleges Offering
451
Graduates / Year
14,086
Avg Net Price / yr
$26,731
How Much Do International Relations Graduates Earn?
International Relations graduates earn $66,596 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,031 and $87,798. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $38,250 climbs to $66,596 by year four.
$38,250
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$66,596
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$66,307
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across International Relations graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$46,03125th pct.
$66,596Median
$87,79875th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,596 and an estimated $106,924 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.9 years.
Based on outcomes from 390 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 14,086 students who complete International Relations programs each year, the majority (58%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
58%38%
Bachelor's58%
Master's38%
Post-Bacc Cert.4%
What Can You Do With an International Relations Degree?
International Relations connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Political Scientist leads at $142,080/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Teach political science.
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Top Colleges for International Relations
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many International Relations students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by International Relations graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Social Sciences Programs
International Relations is one of 13 specializations within Social Sciences. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a International Relations program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
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The data on International Relations shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $66,596 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $38,250 at graduation to $66,596 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Wide availabilityOffered at 451 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
International Relations Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do International Relations graduates earn?
International Relations graduates earn a national median of $66,596 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,031 and $87,798. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a International Relations degree?
One year after graduation, International Relations degree holders earn a median of $38,250. That climbs to $66,596 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a International Relations degree?
International Relations degree holders pursue careers including Political Scientist, which pays a median of $142,080/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a International Relations program take?
A International Relations bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer International Relations?
451 colleges and universities in the United States offer International Relations programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a International Relations degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $66,596 and an average net price of roughly $26,731/yr, a International Relations degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between International Relations and Social Sciences?
International Relations is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to International Relations-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in International Relations graduates?
Employers hiring International Relations graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Is graduate school worth it for International Relations graduates?
With a median salary of $66,596, graduate study in International Relations can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for International Relations graduates?
The job outlook for International Relations graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of -0.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Political Science Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +2.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Social Sciences Programs
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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