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International Relations at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,312/yr (96% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #21 of 106 International Relations programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Relations graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $645K $628K $568K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,668
0% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,312 put Bucknell University's International Relations program 96% above the national median of $39,530 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #21 out of 106 programs, Bucknell University's International Relations program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $77,312 to $77,668 over five years (0% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University accepts 32% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 3,818 in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Political science teachers, postsecondary $94,680/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 106 schools offering International Relations →

International Relations at Other Schools

Stanford University ($76,166) Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($68,344) Middlebury College ($68,344) University of Pennsylvania ($65,559) Lafayette College ($58,433) Northwestern University ($58,326) Tufts University ($54,079) Angelo State University ($53,246)

Other Majors at Bucknell University

Computer Engineering ($90,171) Chemical Engineering ($80,653) Civil Engineering ($80,231) Mechanical Engineering ($79,391) Accounting and Related Services ($75,776) Economics ($70,946) Marketing ($70,868) Political Science and Government ($53,012)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bucknell University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Bucknell University rank so high for International Relations?
The #21 ranking out of 106 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →