International Relations at Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,275
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,200
139% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
International Relations at Other Schools
Other Majors at Occidental College
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →