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International Relations at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,547/yr (-48% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)

ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #100 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	$355K	$370K	$370K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.8x	8.1x	8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	4.0x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	48%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,800

Out-of-state: $92,840 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,752

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,750

10.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,547 place Texas State University below the $39,530 national median for International Relations — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the -4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,750 debt-to-$20,547 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #100 out of 106 programs, Texas State University's financial outcomes for International Relations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Texas State University

Texas State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas State 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 Texas State University

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

How does Texas State University's International Relations program score?

This program scores 25/100 — 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.

Why are International Relations earnings lower at Texas State University?

Lower starting pay at Texas State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →