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International Relations at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,254/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)

ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #50 of 106 International Relations programs Top 50%

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	$569K	$560K	$516K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.2x	18.9x	17.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.4x	7.3x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,696

Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,528

-74% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,625

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,685

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,254 place San Francisco State University below the $39,530 national median for International Relations — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 18.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,625 against $31,254/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #50 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places San Francisco State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,254-to-$54,685 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State University →

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

International Relations at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Francisco State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at San Francisco State University?

At 44/100, 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 San Francisco State University?

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 San Francisco State University a good choice for International Relations despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If San Francisco State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →