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International Relations at Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,306/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #97 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 $811K $777K $683K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$256,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,248
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,486
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,787
180% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,306/yr fall 33% below the $39,530 national median for International Relations. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,486 against $26,306/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #97 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places Mount Holyoke College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,306-to-$73,787 earnings arc over five years reflects a 180% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College admits 38% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 2,198 in South Hadley, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $118,248 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Mount Holyoke College →

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 Mount Holyoke College

Computer Science ($71,672) Political Science and Government ($48,690) Sociology ($40,675) Biology, General ($39,270) Research and Experimental Psychology ($32,439) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($26,013) History ($23,337) Social Sciences, Other ($22,829)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Mount Holyoke College?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Relations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Mount Holyoke College?
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 Mount Holyoke College a good choice for International Relations despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Mount Holyoke College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for International Relations at Mount Holyoke College?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $256,568. At a net cost of $118,248, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →