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International Relations at Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,231/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #64 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 $835K $798K $699K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,316
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,275
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,200
139% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Occidental College's International Relations program produces graduates earning $35,231/yr — within striking distance of the $39,530 national average for this field.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $19,275 against $35,231/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #64 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places Occidental College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,231-to-$84,200 earnings arc over five years reflects a 139% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Occidental College

Admission to Occidental College is competitive, with 40% of applicants accepted, with a smaller student body of 1,844 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,316 over four years — 38% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Occidental 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 Occidental College

Economics ($64,885) Computer Science ($63,845) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($49,529) Political Science and Government ($45,175) Sociology ($42,653) Psychology, General ($31,002) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($30,526) Biology, General ($28,691)

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Occidental College?
At 39/100, 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 Occidental 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →