International Relations at Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,147/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI
3.0x earnings multiple
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 | $786K | $754K | $665K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.2x | 3.0x | 2.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 48% | 37% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 38 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$248,720
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,384
122% growth from Year 1
About Lehigh University
A 29% acceptance rate puts Lehigh University in competitive admissions territory, serving 5,803 students in Bethlehem, PA. The average net cost of $134,196 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Lehigh University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Political science teachers, postsecondary
$94,680/yr
Compare & Explore
International Relations at Other Schools
Other Majors at Lehigh University
Consider the Trade Route?
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at Lehigh University?
A score of 38/100 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 $665,453 in decade earnings vs $786,242 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →