International Relationsat Boston University
Graduates earn $45,870/yr in their first year — about 16.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $656K; scenarios range from $589K to $675K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Boston University
Boston University's strong academic standing and its prime location in a major metropolitan hub like Boston significantly influence outcomes for International Relations and National Security Studies graduates. While direct federal government or international organization roles often gravitate towards Washington D.C., a BU degree cultivates highly transferable skills in critical analysis, research, and cross-cultural communication. Your path might lead you to think tanks, NGOs, or even private sector roles in consulting, data analysis, or project management within Boston's diverse economy, where these competencies are invaluable. The university's robust alumni network and career services help funnel graduates into diverse professional environments across the Northeast and beyond. Given the evolving landscape and potential for AI to impact certain analytical tasks, actively seek internships and develop strong qualitative and interpersonal skills to future-proof your career in this dynamic field.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Boston University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering International Relations
How Boston University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Boston University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Relations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Relations at Boston University
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.