International Relations at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,253/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #94 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 $429K $436K $421K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.7x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,666
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,229
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,253 per year, International Relations graduates from Portland State University earn below the $39,530 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.7x 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 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,666 represents roughly 9 months of the $30,253 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #94 of 106 International Relations programs, Portland State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $36,229 are relatively flat compared to the $30,253 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Portland State University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Portland State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State 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 Portland State 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 Portland State University?
A score of 28/100 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 $420,590 in decade earnings vs $429,091 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with International Relations from Portland State 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 →