General
International Relations
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for International Relations.
Entry Level Salary
$46,856
Median Salary
$103,000
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
22.7%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,120,000
Entry (Early)
$46,856
Median (Prime)
$103,000
High (Prime)
$107,000
ROI Sensitivity Analysis
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-33k
+429k
+462k
$25k / yr
-123k
+339k
+372k
$50k / yr
-213k
+249k
+282k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
28
$50k / yr
Never
33
32
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-113%
312%
342%
$50k / yr
-98%
115%
130%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate51.1%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
8.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$95,668
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$157,570|$144,040
openings
34,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Management occupations
7.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,275
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Management analysts
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$73,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,713|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Top executives
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$187,959|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Postsecondary teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$53,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Human resources workers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$28,700
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$74,220
openings
87,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.8%
Social and community service managers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,195
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,413|$78,240
openings
18,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%
Project management specialists
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,846
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,713|$100,750
openings
78,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Education and childcare administrators
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$60,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,506|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| international relations and national security studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 5 | $110,686 - $110,686 |
| international relations and national security studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 338 | $41,730 - $99,205 |
| international relations and national security studies. | Post-bacc Certificate | 7 | $100,686 - $100,686 |
| international relations and national security studies. | Master's Degree | 96 | $64,561 - $118,569 |
| international relations and national security studies. | Doctoral Degree | 16 | Data N/A |
| international relations and national security studies. | First Professional Degree | 1 | $87,777 - $87,777 |
| international relations and national security studies. | Graduate Certificate | 10 | $77,954 - $79,886 |