International Relations and National Security Studies at Baldwin Wallace University

Based on comparable International Relations programs in Ohio, first-year earnings around $35,500 paired with estimated debt of $21,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.6—meaning roughly seven months of gross salary to cover the full loan balance. That's workable math, though not spectacular. Similar programs nationally show slightly higher earnings ($37,198 median), suggesting Baldwin Wallace's estimated outcomes track close to but slightly below the national middle.

The challenge here is that International Relations careers often require graduate school for meaningful advancement, and these bachelor's-level earnings reflect entry positions that may be stepping stones rather than destinations. The estimated figures come from just four programs in Ohio, so there's meaningful uncertainty about whether Baldwin Wallace's specific outcomes will match. The best programs in the state—Miami University and Ohio State—show graduates earning $38,000 to $39,000, about $3,000 more annually, which compounds over a career.

For a field where graduate credentials often matter most, starting with reasonable undergraduate debt is smart. The estimated $21,500 leaves room for future education costs without crushing financial pressure. But if your student is certain about this career path, consider whether the larger public universities offering this major might provide both cost savings and stronger alumni networks in government and international organizations—networks that matter enormously in this field's competitive job market.