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International Relations at Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,835/yr (-40% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #103 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	$733K	$707K	$629K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$219,568

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$100,240

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,072

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,958

173% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,835 place Rhodes College below the $39,530 national median for International Relations — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,072 debt-to-$23,835 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #103 out of 106 programs, Rhodes College's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,835 to $64,958 over five years (173% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Rhodes College

A 50% admission rate makes Rhodes College accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 1,931 students in Memphis, TN. The average net cost of $100,240 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhodes College →

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 Rhodes College

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 Rhodes College's International Relations program score?

This program scores 23/100 — 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 Rhodes College?

Lower starting pay at Rhodes College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

How affordable is International Relations at Rhodes College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $219,568, but the average net cost is $100,240 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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