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International Relations at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,949/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 of 106 International Relations programs Top 50%

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	$677K	$657K	$591K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.1x	10.8x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.6x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$60,988

Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,152

-0% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,500

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,661

96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,949/yr, roughly in line with the $39,530 national median for International Relations. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $34,949 far exceeding the $12,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #40 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places University of California-Davis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,949-to-$68,661 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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 California-Davis

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 does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at University of California-Davis?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Relations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at University of California-Davis?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

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