International Relations and National Security Studies at Albright College

Based on comparable international relations programs in Pennsylvania, Albright graduates typically enter the workforce earning around $49,000—a figure that substantially exceeds the national median of $37,000 for this field. With estimated debt of roughly $20,000, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning students would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a workable starting point, though it's worth noting the earnings gap between Albright's peer programs and Pennsylvania's top-tier options, where graduates at schools like Bucknell and Penn command starting salaries in the $65,000-$77,000 range.

The challenge with international relations degrees, regardless of where you earn them, is that they often lead to entry-level positions in government, nonprofits, or policy organizations that don't immediately pay what the debt would suggest they should. The $49,000 estimate puts Albright in the middle of Pennsylvania's range, but for a school serving predominantly middle-income students (half receive Pell grants), the relatively modest debt load matters more than chasing elite-level earnings. The financial equation here works if your child is genuinely committed to this career path and understands that advancement often requires additional credentials—graduate school is common in this field, which means managing undergraduate debt becomes even more critical. Given the uncertainty around these estimates, verify current graduate outcomes directly with Albright's career services before committing.