International Relationsat Northwestern University
Graduates earn $58,326/yr in their first year — about 48.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $633K; scenarios range from $572K to $650K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northwestern University
Your degree in International Relations and National Security Studies from Northwestern carries significant weight, driving impressive early-career financial outcomes. This isn't just about the curriculum; it's about the university's rigorous analytical training, its powerful alumni network, and the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which equips you for roles far beyond traditional government tracks. Graduates often pivot into global consulting, finance, international NGOs, and corporate strategy, leveraging critical thinking and communication skills highly valued in major hubs like Chicago and Washington D.C.
The "high AI risk" for some entry-level roles in this field underscores the need to cultivate expertise in strategic analysis, diplomacy, and leadership – skills AI can't replicate. Focus on developing human-centric strengths. To maximize your potential, actively leverage Northwestern’s robust career services and extensive alumni network for targeted internships and mentorships in your desired sector.
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 Northwestern University'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 Northwestern University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Northwestern University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northwestern University, 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 Northwestern University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at Northwestern University?
A score of 47/100 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 $572,068 in decade earnings vs $650,033 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Northwestern University a hidden gem for International Relations?
After financial aid, the average student pays $108,572 over four years — 59% below the $263,988 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.