Program Analysis
At $36,147/yr, International Relations graduates from Lehigh University land near the $39,530 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The financial case is thin at 3.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in International Relations's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,250 represents roughly 7 months of the $36,147 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #70 of 106 International Relations programs, Lehigh University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $80,384 show a 122% jump from the $36,147 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.