Home › University of Puget Sound › International Relations

International Relations at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,176/yr (-29% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #102 of 106 International Relations programs

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	$693K	$671K	$601K
Earnings Multiple	2.9x	2.8x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,798

11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,403

132% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Puget Sound's International Relations graduates start at $28,176/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,798 debt-to-$28,176 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #102 out of 106 programs, University of Puget Sound's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $28,176 to $65,403 over five years (132% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Puget Sound

A 76% acceptance rate means University of Puget Sound is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 University of Puget Sound

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

How does University of Puget Sound's International Relations program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are International Relations earnings lower at University of Puget Sound?

Lower starting pay at University of Puget Sound may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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