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International Relations at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,284/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 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 $958K $908K $783K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,288
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$104,415
126% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $46,284/yr, edging above the $39,530 national average for International Relations — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $12,000 in median debt against $46,284 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Brown University ranks #22 among 106 International Relations programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $46,284-to-$104,415 earnings arc over five years reflects a 126% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Brown University

Brown University admits 5% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,273 students in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown 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 Brown University

Computer Science ($151,065) Applied Mathematics ($99,193) Engineering, General ($86,416) Public Health ($75,909) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($74,180) Economics ($72,064) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($67,900) Public Policy Analysis ($58,161)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Brown University?
At 52/100, Brown University's International Relations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Brown 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.
Is Brown University one of the best schools for International Relations?
Among 106 International Relations programs, Brown University's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for International Relations at Brown University?
The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,920. At a net cost of $106,288, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →