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International Relations at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,924/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #73 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	$585K	$575K	$527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.6x	11.4x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.0x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,468

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,790

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Arizona University's International Relations graduates start at $29,924/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 11.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,468 debt-to-$29,924 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #73 out of 106 programs, Northern Arizona University's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,924 to $55,790 over five years (86% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Northern Arizona University

A 91% acceptance rate means Northern Arizona University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's International Relations program score?

This program scores 37/100 — 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 Northern Arizona University?

Lower starting pay at Northern Arizona 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 →