Home › University of Nevada-Reno › International Relations

International Relations at University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · International Relations and National Security Studies
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,539/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (108,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #62 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 $560K $553K $510K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.6x 15.4x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,976
Out-of-state: $103,800 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,608
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,094
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,794
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,539 place University of Nevada-Reno below the $39,530 national median for International Relations — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International Relations career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,094 against $29,539/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #62 ranking among 106 International Relations programs places University of Nevada-Reno in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,539-to-$52,794 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 15,723 students in Reno, NV.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Reno →

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 Nevada-Reno

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($85,733) Computer Engineering ($69,310) Civil Engineering ($67,379) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($65,194) Chemical Engineering ($64,039) Mechanical Engineering ($61,977) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($60,223) Accounting and Related Services ($59,218)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at University of Nevada-Reno?
At 40/100, 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 Nevada-Reno?
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.
Is University of Nevada-Reno a good choice for International Relations despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Nevada-Reno's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →