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International Relations at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,376/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 106 International Relations programs Top 25%

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	$672K	$652K	$587K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.3x	14.9x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.0x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	53	52	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,625

7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,946

90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Iowa's International Relations program produces graduates earning $36,376/yr — within striking distance of the $39,530 national average for this field.

With a 14.9x 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.

At $21,625 against $36,376/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #18 among 106 International Relations programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,376-to-$68,946 earnings arc over five years reflects a 90% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Iowa

A 85% acceptance rate means University of Iowa is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

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 does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at University of Iowa?

At 52/100, University of Iowa's International Relations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at University of Iowa?

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.

Is University of Iowa one of the best schools for International Relations?

Among 106 International Relations programs, University of Iowa's #18 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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