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International Relations at Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,290/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)

ROI 2.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #72 of 106 International Relations programs

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	$495K	$494K	$466K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.5x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$194,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$116,948

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,750

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $43,290 per year, International Relations graduates from Marquette University earn slightly above the $39,530 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $20,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #72 out of 106 programs, Marquette University's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Marquette University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Marquette University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,238 in Milwaukee, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $116,948 — 40% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Marquette 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

International Relations at Other Schools

Other Majors at Marquette University

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Marquette University's International Relations program score?

This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →