International Relations at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,977/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 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 $577K $567K $522K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 22.1x 20.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.2x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 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)
$25,640
Out-of-state: $69,296 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,172
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,204
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,427
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of South Florida's International Relations graduates start at $30,977/yr, trailing the $39,530 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 22.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,204 against $30,977/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #42 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places University of South Florida in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,977-to-$55,427 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of South Florida

University of South Florida's 41% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 36,299 students enrolled in Tampa, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →

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 South Florida

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at University of South Florida?
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 South Florida?
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 South Florida a good choice for International Relations despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of South Florida's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →