International Relationsat University of Pennsylvania
Graduates earn $65,559/yr in their first year — about 66.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $729K; scenarios range from $646K to $758K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania
Your choice of Penn for International Relations positions you within a highly competitive talent pool, benefiting from an Ivy League education renowned for its rigorous analytical training and extensive alumni network. This explains the strong earnings potential you see; graduates often secure roles in top-tier government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, or even pivot into consulting and finance, leveraging their strategic thinking. Proximity to Washington D.C. and New York City means robust recruiting pipelines into these high-paying sectors. Regarding AI risk, while data analysis and routine report generation in policy roles may see automation, the critical human elements of diplomacy, negotiation, and high-level strategic advisement remain indispensable. To thrive, focus on developing specialized skills in areas like data-driven policy analysis or regional expertise, and proactively build a professional network through internships.
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 University of Pennsylvania'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 University of Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, 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 University of Pennsylvania
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at University of Pennsylvania?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the International Relations field.
Will AI replace International Relations careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $646,004 in decade earnings vs $757,874 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Pennsylvania a hidden gem for International Relations?
After financial aid, the average student pays $124,916 over four years — 53% below the $264,416 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.