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International Relations at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,249/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #74 of 106 International Relations programs

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	$614K	$601K	$547K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$252,244

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$164,104

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,068

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,420

51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,249 at Syracuse University come in 9% above the national median of $39,530 for International Relations programs.

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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,068 debt-to-$43,249 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #74 out of 106 programs, Syracuse University's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $43,249 to $65,420 over five years (51% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Syracuse University

A 42% admission rate makes Syracuse University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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

Other Majors at Syracuse University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Syracuse University's International Relations program score?

This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

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.

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