International Relations at Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,202/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI
7.9x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
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 | $457K | $461K | $440K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.8x | 7.9x | 7.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.5x | 5.5x | 5.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 48% | 37% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 26 | 26 | 28 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (5.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,535
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,625
41% growth from Year 1
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,073 in Allendale, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Political science teachers, postsecondary
$94,680/yr
Compare & Explore
International Relations at Other Schools
Other Majors at Grand Valley State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Grand Valley State University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 are International Relations earnings lower at Grand Valley State University?
Lower starting pay at Grand Valley State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →