International Relations and National Security Studies at Ashland University

Based on comparable International Relations programs in Ohio, Ashland's estimated first-year earnings of $35,564 land near the state median but trail larger public universities like Miami and Ohio State by about $3,000. The estimated $21,500 in debt sits below both state and national benchmarks for this field, which is one advantage—though it's worth noting that Ohio programs typically carry higher debt loads than what Ashland graduates appear to take on.

The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with monthly loan payments likely around $240 under standard plans—about 8% of gross monthly income. However, peer programs nationally show median earnings of $37,198, meaning Ashland's graduates might start about $1,600 behind the typical International Relations bachelor's holder. This gap matters in a field where networking, internship access, and institutional prestige often influence early career opportunities. Ashland's 81% admission rate and smaller scale may limit the Washington D.C. pipeline and alumni network that bigger programs leverage.

For families considering this program, the lower debt estimate is encouraging, but the earnings picture based on similar Ohio programs suggests modest starting salaries that don't offer much cushion. If your student is committed to government or nonprofit work—where salaries start lower regardless of school—Ashland's estimated cost structure makes more sense. But if they're banking on the International Relations degree to launch a lucrative career, the comparable programs suggest tempering those expectations.