What is the starting salary for International Relations graduates in Milwaukee?

The estimated starting salary for International Relations graduates in Milwaukee, WI is $47,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 94. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Milwaukee are 6% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a International Relations degree worth it in Milwaukee?

A International Relations degree in Milwaukee has an estimated ROI payback period of 6 years, with a projected lifetime return of $366,704 after subtracting education costs. With 33 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,782/year, Milwaukee offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study International Relations in Milwaukee?

The average annual public university tuition in Milwaukee is $9,782, while private universities average $45,550/year. Including room and board ($11,342/year), total 4-year costs range from $84,496 at a public school to $227,568 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Milwaukee is $13,008/year.

What jobs can International Relations graduates get in Milwaukee?

International Relations graduates in Milwaukee can pursue careers as Foreign Service Officer, Intelligence Analyst, International Development Specialist. Key skills valued by local employers include Diplomacy, Geopolitical Analysis, Foreign Languages, Conflict Resolution. The Milwaukee job market features Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include State Department, UN, World Bank.

How long to pay off student loans for International Relations in Milwaukee?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, International Relations graduates in Milwaukee would pay $959/month on an estimated $84,496 in loans, with $30,636 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,653/month but save $15,937 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $47,000, monthly payments would represent 24% of gross monthly income.

International Relations Degree in Milwaukee, WI — Salary & ROI 2026

International Relations degree analysis for Milwaukee, WI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$47K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$73K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6 yrs

in Milwaukee

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

International Relations in Milwaukee, WI Overview

Milwaukee is one of Wisconsin's top college towns, with 33 institutions and a student population of 59,419. Public tuition averages $9,782/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. International Relations enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Diplomacy and Geopolitical Analysis. The adjusted starting salary in Milwaukee is approximately $47,000, growing to $73,320 by mid-career.

International Relations Salary in Milwaukee (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living index of 94 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,000($-3,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$73,320($-4,680 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$94,000($-6,000 vs national)

Note: National average International Relations salary: $50,000 starting, $78,000 mid-career, $100,000 senior level.Milwaukee adjustment factor: 0.94x based on the local cost of living index.

International Relations ROI Calculator for Milwaukee

Estimate your return on investment for a International Relations degree using local Milwaukee tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,782 | Private avg: $45,550

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Milwaukee avg aid: $13,008/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$84,496

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$14,100

vs HS diploma in Milwaukee

ROI Payback Period

6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Milwaukee

$366,704

Lifetime earnings premium ($451,200) minus total education cost ($84,496)

Student Loan Payoff for International Relations in Milwaukee

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$84,496

Monthly Payment$959

Total Interest$30,636

% of Monthly Income24%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$84,496

Monthly Payment$1,653

Total Interest$14,700

Interest Savings$15,937

Colleges in Milwaukee for International Relations

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

public

$9,782/yr

$39,128 total

Marquette University

private

$46,510/yr

$186,040 total

Milwaukee School of Engineering

private

$44,589/yr

$178,356 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Milwaukee Area Technical College

$4,620/yr

Top Employers for International Relations in Milwaukee

Milwaukee offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for International Relations graduates. National top employers in this field include:

State DepartmentUNWorld BankCIANGOs

Key Milwaukee Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Government agencies

Non-profits

Research institutes

Social services

Consulting

Common International Relations Job Titles

Foreign Service OfficerIntelligence AnalystInternational Development Specialist

International Relations in Nearby Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI

$45K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Green Bay, WI

$43K starting · COL 86

6 colleges

Kenosha, WI

$53K starting · COL 106

8 colleges

Racine, WI

$43K starting · COL 85.8

4 colleges

Appleton, WI

$40K starting · COL 79

6 colleges

Waukesha, WI

$45K starting · COL 90.5

3 colleges

Eau Claire, WI

$43K starting · COL 86

2 colleges

Oshkosh, WI

$54K starting · COL 107

3 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Milwaukee

Political Science

$45K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Urban Planning

$47K starting · 5 yr ROI

Geography

$47K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$47K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$47K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$41K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$47K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$41K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate International Relations degree outcomes in Milwaukee, WI: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for International Relations programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Wisconsin.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Milwaukee using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for International Relations graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — International Relations career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for International Relations grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Milwaukee Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Wisconsin students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Wisconsin)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Wisconsin programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "wisconsin higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

International Relations Degree in Milwaukee — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare International Relations ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Milwaukee.

International Relations Overview Colleges in Milwaukee All Majors