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International Relations at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,326/yr (48% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #39 of 106 International Relations programs Top 50%

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	$650K	$633K	$572K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$263,988

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$108,572

59% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,234

4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$75,031

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Northwestern University's International Relations program earn $58,326/yr in their first year — 48% above the $39,530 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in International Relations's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,234 in median debt against $58,326 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #39 of 106 International Relations programs, Northwestern University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $58,326 to $75,031 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 8,960 in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern 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

International Relations at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at Northwestern University?

A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Relations. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace International Relations careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $572,068 in decade earnings vs $650,033 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Northwestern University a hidden gem for International Relations?

After financial aid, the average student pays $108,572 over four years — 59% below the $263,988 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →