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International Relations at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,638/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 106 International Relations programs Top 10%

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 $681K $660K $593K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 10.7x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.5x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 57 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,206
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's International Relations graduates start at $44,638/yr — above the $39,530 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.7x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,250 in median debt clears quickly against $44,638 in annual earnings.

At #7 of 106 programs, this International Relations program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $44,638-to-$74,206 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's 57% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 30,435 students in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →

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

Compare this program → View all 106 schools offering International Relations →

International Relations at Other Schools

Bucknell University ($77,312) Stanford University ($76,166) Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($68,344) Middlebury College ($68,344) University of Pennsylvania ($65,559) Lafayette College ($58,433) Northwestern University ($58,326) Tufts University ($54,079)

Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($96,432) Computer Engineering ($86,636) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,364) Construction Engineering ($82,627) Industrial Engineering ($82,437) Chemical Engineering ($82,382) Applied Mathematics ($82,275) Engineering Mechanics ($81,735)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 57/100, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University'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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
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 →