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International Relations at Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,915/yr (-45% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #99 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	$364K	$378K	$376K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.3x	8.7x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.4x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,584

Out-of-state: $85,920 (4.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$28,672

34% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $21,915 per year, International Relations graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn below the $39,530 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 -3% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #99 of 106 International Relations programs, Northern Kentucky University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Northern Kentucky University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Northern Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, serving 8,065 students in Highland Heights, KY. The average net cost of $28,672 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Northern Kentucky University?

A score of 25/100 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 $375,730 in decade earnings vs $363,655 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with International Relations from Northern Kentucky University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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