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
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
39
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,468
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,790
86% growth from Year 1
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
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 →