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International Relations at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,434/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #87 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	$422K	$430K	$416K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.4x	8.5x	8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	6.0x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,452

Out-of-state: $71,892 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,260

-27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,960

8.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,434 place Cleveland State University below the $39,530 national median for International Relations — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,960 against $31,434/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #87 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places Cleveland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,077 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland State University →

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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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Cleveland State University?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Relations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at Cleveland State University?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Cleveland State University a good choice for International Relations despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Cleveland State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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