International Relations at Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,581/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #83 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 $481K $482K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.8x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.7x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,048
Out-of-state: $130,648 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,680
-16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,187
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,480
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Old Dominion University's International Relations graduates start at $33,581/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x 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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,187 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,581 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #83 of 106 International Relations programs, Old Dominion University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $33,581 to $44,480 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Old Dominion University

A 91% acceptance rate means Old Dominion University is accessible to most applicants, serving 17,521 students in Norfolk, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion University?
A score of 34/100 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 $455,950 in decade earnings vs $480,662 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with International Relations from Old Dominion 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 →