International Relations at Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,344/yr (73% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #5 of 106 International Relations programs Top 5%

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 $941K $892K $772K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$261,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,736
60% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$116,041
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Middlebury College International Relations graduates command $68,344/yr out of the gate, well above the $39,530 national median. That 73% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 3.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Middlebury College ranks #5 among 106 International Relations programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $68,344-to-$116,041 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Middlebury College

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to Middlebury College, reflecting elite selectivity, with a smaller student body of 2,785 in Middlebury, VT. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $103,736 — 60% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Middlebury College →

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

International Relations at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Middlebury College?
At 60/100, Middlebury College's International Relations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Middlebury College?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Middlebury College one of the best schools for International Relations?
Among 106 International Relations programs, Middlebury College's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for International Relations at Middlebury College?
The 60% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $261,120. At a net cost of $103,736, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →