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International Relations at University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $65,559/yr (66% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #9 of 106 International Relations programs Top 10%

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	$758K	$729K	$646K
Earnings Multiple	2.9x	2.8x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	55	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$264,416

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$124,916

53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$10,470

1.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$92,024

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $65,559 put University of Pennsylvania's International Relations program 66% above the national median of $39,530 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $65,559 far exceeding the $10,470 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #9 of 106 programs, University of Pennsylvania's International Relations program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $65,559 to $92,024 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 10,768 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $124,916 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pennsylvania →

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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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at University of Pennsylvania?

A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the International Relations field.

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 $646,004 in decade earnings vs $757,874 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is University of Pennsylvania a hidden gem for International Relations?

After financial aid, the average student pays $124,916 over four years — 53% below the $264,416 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 →