Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,361 track close to the $39,530 national median for International Relations programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 19.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $15,124 in median debt against $35,361 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
San Diego State University ranks #17 among 106 International Relations programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $35,361-to-$67,020 earnings arc over five years reflects a 90% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.