Program Analysis
Vassar College's International Relations graduates start at $31,956/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
The financial case is thin at 2.7x — 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.
Median debt of $20,232 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,956 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #89 of 106 International Relations programs, Vassar College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $75,748 show a 137% jump from the $31,956 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.