International Relations at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,612/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #69 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 $661K $643K $580K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.5x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.6x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,100
-80% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,811
156% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Arkansas's International Relations graduates start at $22,612/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 43%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI International Relations programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $22,612 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #69 of 106 International Relations programs, University of Arkansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $57,811 show a 156% jump from the $22,612 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Arkansas

A 72% acceptance rate means University of Arkansas is accessible to most applicants, with 27,312 students enrolled in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

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 University of Arkansas

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Relations at University of Arkansas?
A score of 38/100 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 $579,758 in decade earnings vs $661,247 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with International Relations from University of Arkansas?
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 →