International Relationsat Mount Holyoke College
Graduates earn $26,306/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $777K; scenarios range from $683K to $811K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Mount Holyoke College
When exploring International Relations and National Security Studies at Mount Holyoke, understand that this program, rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition, prioritizes critical thinking, deep analysis, and ethical engagement over vocational training for immediate high-paying roles. Graduates often pursue careers in non-profits, government agencies, international organizations, or further academic study, fields valued for impact and intellectual challenge more than initial compensation. Your early career might involve policy research, program coordination, or advocacy, often requiring a commitment to public service. To maximize your earning potential and mitigate future AI risk, actively seek internships in policy analysis or data-heavy roles, and consider pairing your studies with quantitative skills or a master's degree to open doors to more specialized and higher-paying positions.
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 Mount Holyoke 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 Mount Holyoke College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Mount Holyoke College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Mount Holyoke 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 Mount Holyoke College
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.