International Relationsat Goucher College
Graduates earn $25,868/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $399K; scenarios range from $392K to $388K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Goucher College
This program faces a uniquely challenging landscape, particularly given its location. While proximity to the nation's capital seems advantageous for international relations and national security, the DC job market is fiercely competitive. You'll be vying for entry-level roles against graduates from specialized policy schools with established recruiting pipelines and robust internship networks. Without those direct connections, many Goucher graduates may find themselves in broader administrative or research support roles, which often command lower starting salaries, rather than the high-profile policy analysis positions. The degree's theoretical focus, typical of a liberal arts college, often necessitates a master's degree or extensive practical experience to access higher-paying, specialized careers in government, think tanks, or NGOs. To truly leverage this degree, you must proactively secure multiple substantive internships early in your academic journey to build a practical skill set and professional network.
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 Goucher College'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 Goucher College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Goucher College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Goucher College, 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 Goucher College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at Goucher College?
A score of 22/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Relations. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace International Relations careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $392,334 in decade earnings vs $387,877 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with International Relations from Goucher College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is Goucher College a hidden gem for International Relations?
After financial aid, the average student pays $95,096 over four years — 54% below the $205,000 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.