International Relations at Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,653/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 of 106 International Relations programs

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 $680K $660K $593K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$247,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$170,324
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,759
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,033
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Fordham University's International Relations graduates start at $46,653/yr — above the $39,530 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x 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 $24,759 debt-to-$46,653 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #54 out of 106 programs, Fordham University's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $46,653 to $75,033 over five years (61% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Fordham University

Fordham University's 56% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 10,239 students in Bronx, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $170,324 over four years — 31% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Fordham 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

Other Majors at Fordham University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 Fordham University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 44/100 — 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 →