International Relations at American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,142/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #3 of 106 International Relations programs Top 5%

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 $592K $581K $532K
Earnings Multiple 17.6x 17.3x 15.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,947
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,125
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,142/yr, edging above the $39,530 national average for International Relations — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 17.3x 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 $14,947 in median debt against $48,142 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

American Public University System ranks #3 among 106 International Relations programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 33% earnings increase from $48,142 to $64,125 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About American Public University System

serving a student body of 38,976 in Charles Town, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at American Public University System →

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 American Public University System

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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at American Public University System?
At 62/100, American Public University System'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 American Public University System?
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 American Public University System one of the best schools for International Relations?
Among 106 International Relations programs, American Public University System's #3 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 →