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International Relations at Emory University

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,022/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #43 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	$731K	$705K	$628K
Earnings Multiple	3.0x	2.9x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$243,096

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$95,644

61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$80,251

78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $45,022 per year, International Relations graduates from Emory University earn slightly above the $39,530 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in International Relations's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #43 of 106 International Relations programs, Emory University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $80,251 show a 78% jump from the $45,022 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Emory University

With just 11% of applicants admitted, Emory University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 7,275 students in Atlanta, GA. The average net cost of $95,644 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Emory 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

Other Majors at Emory University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at Emory University?

A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Relations. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace International Relations careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $627,706 in decade earnings vs $731,182 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Emory University a hidden gem for International Relations?

After financial aid, the average student pays $95,644 over four years — 61% below the $243,096 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

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