International Relations at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,262/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #26 of 106 International Relations programs Top 25%

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 $765K $735K $651K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,247
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,675
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $52,262 per year, International Relations graduates from University of Southern California significantly outpace the $39,530 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x 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 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $13,247 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #26 out of 106 programs, University of Southern California's International Relations program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $52,262 to $87,675 over five years (68% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

With just 10% of applicants admitted, University of Southern California ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

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 University of Southern California's International Relations program score?
This program scores 50/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
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.
Why does University of Southern California rank so high for International Relations?
The #26 ranking out of 106 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is International Relations at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →