International Relationsat University of Arkansas
Graduates earn $22,612/yr in their first year — about 43.0% below the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $643K; scenarios range from $580K to $661K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Arkansas
The earnings data for International Relations and National Security Studies at the University of Arkansas reflects the unique regional labor market. Fayetteville isn't a primary hub for federal agencies, major international organizations, or large defense contractors that typically drive higher salaries for these specialized roles. Graduates often find opportunities in state government, local non-profits, or broader administrative and analytical positions within Arkansas, where compensation scales differ significantly from national averages found in Washington D.C. or major metropolitan areas.
This program likely provides a robust academic foundation, but securing those direct, high-paying national security or international development careers often requires proactive out-of-state internships, extensive networking, or pursuing an advanced degree. If you're passionate about this field at U of A, be prepared to strategically seek opportunities beyond the state's borders or leverage your analytical skills for adaptable roles that may not fit the conventional IR/NS path.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Arkansas's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering International Relations
How University of Arkansas stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Arkansas
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Arkansas, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Relations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Relations at University of Arkansas
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.