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International Relations at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,870/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #56 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 $675K $656K $589K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,394
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,117
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Boston University's International Relations graduates start at $45,870/yr — above the $39,530 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,394 against $45,870/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #56 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places Boston University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $45,870-to-$74,117 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Boston University

Only 11% of applicants gain admission to Boston University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

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

Compare this program → View all 106 schools offering International Relations →

International Relations at Other Schools

Bucknell University ($77,312) Stanford University ($76,166) Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($68,344) Middlebury College ($68,344) University of Pennsylvania ($65,559) Lafayette College ($58,433) Northwestern University ($58,326) Tufts University ($54,079)

Other Majors at Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Boston University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Relations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Boston University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for International Relations at Boston University?
The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $260,672. At a net cost of $107,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →