CollegeCostWise

Bachelor's · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Is International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Pennsylvania worth it?

Low confidence Low confidence: fewer than 40 graduates behind the earnings figures.

The verdict · all families, in-state, half paid with loans

Pays back fast: graduates typically recover the cost in about 3 years.

Earnings 1 year after graduating
$93,246
Treasury AY2020-21, AY2021-22 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Earnings 4 years after graduating
$93,920
Treasury AY2017-2018, AY2018-2019 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Typical federal debt at graduation
Not enough borrowers to report
NSLDS pooled AY2022-23, AY2023-24 cohort
Net cost to graduate, all families
$125k (likely $125k – $125k)
AcadYr 2024-25, reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26
Earnings bump, year 4
$55k a year vs high-school graduates aged 25–34 in PA
2023 ACS 5-year pooled, adjusted to 2024 dollars
Payback
3 years (likely 2.2–4.2)
Bump vs net cost plus loan interest
10-year net return
$222k (likely $71k – $408k)
Today's dollars
20-year net return
$754k (likely $448k – $1.12M)
Today's dollars
Odds of finishing (school-wide)
97%
Fall 2019 or AcadYr 2019-20 cohort (differs by institutional calendar), reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26

Change income, residency or loans Compare International Relations and National Security Studies at other schools

⚖️ Getting ready in high school

Students heading toward law, government & society majors like this one often take these classes. Every school offers a different mix, so check with your counselor.

AP classes

  • AP U.S. Government and Politics
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP Comparative Government and Politics

IB Higher Level

  • History HL
  • Global Politics HL

Build my roadmap 🗺️ Middle school to career, plus high schools near you that offer these classes.

Other majors at University of Pennsylvania

International Relations and National Security Studies at other schools in Pennsylvania