International Relationsat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $52,262/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $735K; scenarios range from $651K to $765K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Your outcomes here reflect the significant advantage of an elite university brand and robust alumni network, particularly within a field as interconnected as International Relations and National Security Studies. USC's location in Los Angeles, a major global hub, uniquely positions graduates for roles extending beyond traditional government paths into international business, media, tech companies with global footprints, and defense contractors. The program’s focus on national security often translates into strong private sector demand for risk analysts, consultants, and strategic advisors. While some career paths face AI disruption, the emphasis on complex geopolitical analysis, human diplomacy, and strategic communication remains invaluable. Leverage USC's extensive network and pursue internships across diverse sectors—from think tanks to multinational corporations—to carve out a resilient, high-impact career path.
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 Southern California'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 Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, 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 Southern California
How does University of Southern California's International Relations program score?
This program scores 50/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
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 does University of Southern California rank so high for International Relations?
The #26 ranking out of 106 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is International Relations at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.