International Relations at University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,669/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #92 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 $541K $535K $497K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,888
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,980
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,603
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,544
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,669/yr, International Relations graduates from University of San Francisco land near the $39,530 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,603 represents roughly 8 months of the $36,669 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #92 of 106 International Relations programs, University of San Francisco falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $36,669 to $53,544 over five years — a 46% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 5,697 in San Francisco, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,980 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of San Francisco →

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 University of San Francisco

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at University of San Francisco?
A score of 28/100 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 $497,067 in decade earnings vs $540,639 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →