International Relations at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
56
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,667/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 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 $621K $607K $552K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.2x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 56 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,138
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,783
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,667/yr, edging above the $39,530 national average for International Relations — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,138 in median debt against $44,667 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #8 of 106 programs, this International Relations program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 50% earnings increase from $44,667 to $66,783 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About James Madison University

James Madison University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 20,497 students enrolled in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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

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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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at James Madison University?
At 56/100, James Madison 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 James Madison 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 →