International Relations at William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,270/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 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 $736K $709K $631K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.3x 7.1x 6.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 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)
$100,160
Out-of-state: $197,648 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$90,116
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,921
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,270 at William & Mary come in 20% above the national median of $39,530 for International Relations programs.

A 7.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 14% 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 $47,270 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #11 of 106 programs, this International Relations program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $47,270-to-$81,921 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About William & Mary

William & Mary accepts 33% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 6,949 students in Williamsburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at William & Mary →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at William & Mary?
At 55/100, William & Mary'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 William & Mary?
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 →