International Relations at Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,239/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #37 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 $672K $652K $587K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,096
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,046
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $49,239/yr, edging above the $39,530 national average for International Relations — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$49,239 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #37 out of 106 programs, Fairfield University's International Relations offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $49,239 to $75,046 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Fairfield University

With a 45% acceptance rate, Fairfield University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 4,938 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairfield 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

International Relations at Other Schools

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fairfield University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →