International Relationsat Stanford University
Graduates earn $76,166/yr in their first year — about 93.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $960K; scenarios range from $824K to $1,017K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Stanford University
Your Stanford International Relations and National Security Studies degree carries significant weight, opening doors that extend far beyond typical government or NGO roles. The program's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, blending rigorous political science and economic theory with cutting-edge analysis, often integrating data science and tech policy given its Bay Area location. This rigorous foundation, coupled with Stanford's powerful alumni network and direct recruiting pipelines, positions graduates for high-impact careers. You'll find yourself not only in traditional diplomatic or intelligence agencies but also in strategic advisory roles for global tech firms, leading policy initiatives at international organizations, or driving research at influential think tanks. The strong outcomes reflect this unique blend of academic excellence and real-world applicability. To truly maximize your advantage, actively pursue opportunities to integrate quantitative analysis or technology policy into your studies, preparing you to lead in an evolving global landscape where AI increasingly shapes strategic decisions.
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 Stanford 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 Stanford University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Stanford University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Stanford 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 Stanford University
What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Stanford University?
At 63/100, Stanford University's International Relations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Stanford 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 Stanford University one of the best schools for International Relations?
Among 106 International Relations programs, Stanford University's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for International Relations at Stanford University?
The 81% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $249,936. At a net cost of $48,544, the earnings multiple improves substantially.