What is the starting salary for International Relations graduates in Tucson?

The estimated starting salary for International Relations graduates in Tucson, AZ is $58,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 116. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Tucson are 16% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a International Relations degree worth it in Tucson?

A International Relations degree in Tucson has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.9 years, with a projected lifetime return of $453,492 after subtracting education costs. With 24 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $7,664/year, Tucson offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study International Relations in Tucson?

The average annual public university tuition in Tucson is $7,664, while private universities average $31,536/year. Including room and board ($18,163/year), total 4-year costs range from $103,308 at a public school to $198,796 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Tucson is $14,106/year.

What jobs can International Relations graduates get in Tucson?

International Relations graduates in Tucson can pursue careers as Foreign Service Officer, Intelligence Analyst, International Development Specialist. Key skills valued by local employers include Diplomacy, Geopolitical Analysis, Foreign Languages, Conflict Resolution. The Tucson job market features Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include State Department, UN, World Bank.

How long to pay off student loans for International Relations in Tucson?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, International Relations graduates in Tucson would pay $1,173/month on an estimated $103,308 in loans, with $37,457 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,021/month but save $19,485 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $58,000, monthly payments would represent 24% of gross monthly income.

International Relations Degree in Tucson, AZ — Salary & ROI 2026

International Relations degree analysis for Tucson, AZ. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$58K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$90K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.9 yrs

in Tucson

Cost of Living

116

index (100 = avg)

International Relations in Tucson, AZ Overview

Tucson is one of Arizona's top college towns, with 24 institutions and a student population of 21,782. Public tuition averages $7,664/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. International Relations enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Diplomacy and Geopolitical Analysis. The adjusted starting salary in Tucson is approximately $58,000, growing to $90,480 by mid-career.

International Relations Salary in Tucson (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Tucson's cost of living index of 116 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,000(+$8,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$90,480(+$12,480 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$116,000(+$16,000 vs national)

Note: National average International Relations salary: $50,000 starting, $78,000 mid-career, $100,000 senior level.Tucson adjustment factor: 1.16x based on the local cost of living index.

International Relations ROI Calculator for Tucson

Estimate your return on investment for a International Relations degree using local Tucson tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $7,664 | Private avg: $31,536

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Tucson avg aid: $14,106/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$103,308

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$17,400

vs HS diploma in Tucson

ROI Payback Period

5.9 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Tucson

$453,492

Lifetime earnings premium ($556,800) minus total education cost ($103,308)

Student Loan Payoff for International Relations in Tucson

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$103,308

Monthly Payment$1,173

Total Interest$37,457

% of Monthly Income24%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$103,308

Monthly Payment$2,021

Total Interest$17,972

Interest Savings$19,485

Colleges in Tucson for International Relations

University of Arizona

public

$12,748/yr

$50,992 total

Pima Community College

public

$2,580/yr

$10,320 total

Prescott College

private

$31,536/yr

$126,144 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Pima Community College

$2,580/yr

Top Employers for International Relations in Tucson

Tucson offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for International Relations graduates. National top employers in this field include:

State DepartmentUNWorld BankCIANGOs

Key Tucson Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Government agencies

Non-profits

Research institutes

Social services

Consulting

Common International Relations Job Titles

Foreign Service OfficerIntelligence AnalystInternational Development Specialist

International Relations in Nearby Arizona Cities

Phoenix, AZ

$76K starting · COL 152

72 colleges

Mesa, AZ

$55K starting · COL 110

31 colleges

Chandler, AZ

$62K starting · COL 124

22 colleges

Gilbert, AZ

$60K starting · COL 119

26 colleges

Glendale, AZ

$53K starting · COL 105

16 colleges

Scottsdale, AZ

$63K starting · COL 126

16 colleges

Peoria, AZ

$52K starting · COL 103.8

7 colleges

Tempe, AZ

$57K starting · COL 113

5 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Tucson

Political Science

$56K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Urban Planning

$58K starting · 5 yr ROI

Geography

$58K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$58K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$58K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$51K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$58K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$51K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate International Relations degree outcomes in Tucson, AZ: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for International Relations programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Arizona.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Tucson using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for International Relations graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — International Relations career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for International Relations grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Tucson Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Arizona)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Arizona programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "arizona higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

International Relations Degree in Tucson — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare International Relations ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Tucson.

International Relations Overview Colleges in Tucson All Majors