International Relations at University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,948/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #49 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 $617K $604K $550K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$125,060
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,100
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,437
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $50,948 per year, International Relations graduates from University of San Diego significantly outpace the $39,530 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $24,100 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #49 out of 106 programs, University of San Diego's International Relations offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $50,948 to $68,437 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of San Diego

University of San Diego accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 5,619 students in San Diego, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $125,060 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of San Diego →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of San Diego's International Relations program score?
This program scores 44/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →