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International Relations at University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,923/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #80 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 $585K $575K $527K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$237,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$144,148
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,795
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,923/yr, roughly in line with the $39,530 national median for International Relations. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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.

With first-year pay of $40,923 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #80 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places University of Denver in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $40,923 to $60,795 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Denver

University of Denver accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,059 students in Denver, CO. After financial aid, the average student pays $144,148 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Denver →

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

Compare this program → View all 106 schools offering International Relations →

International Relations at Other Schools

Bucknell University ($77,312) Stanford University ($76,166) Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($68,344) Middlebury College ($68,344) University of Pennsylvania ($65,559) Lafayette College ($58,433) Northwestern University ($58,326) Tufts University ($54,079)

Other Majors at University of Denver

Computer Science ($72,250) Accounting and Related Services ($67,392) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($65,557) Mechanical Engineering ($65,014) Finance and Financial Management Services ($56,402) Marketing ($50,016) International Business ($48,940) Hospitality Administration/Management ($47,679)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at University of Denver?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Relations programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at University of Denver?
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 →