International Relations and National Security Studies at Belmont University

A $37,000 starting salary—based on what similar International Relations programs nationally produce—against $21,500 in debt creates a manageable 0.58 ratio, falling in line with typical outcomes across these programs. But context matters here: Tennessee's International Relations graduates have historically earned far less, with the state median sitting at just $23,835. Belmont's Nashville location and strong professional networks could easily push outcomes above the state norm, though without program-specific data, you're banking on institutional advantages that haven't been measured yet.

The real question is career trajectory. International Relations degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, government positions, or nonprofit work—fields where first-year earnings tell an incomplete story. If your student plans to pursue a master's degree or enter public service, these estimated figures may understate both the debt burden and the long-term earning potential. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (19%) suggests this program attracts students from families who may have resources to support additional education or unpaid internships that build crucial experience.

Given the data limitations, treat this as a qualified green light: the debt load appears reasonable for the estimated earnings, but verify Belmont's specific placement outcomes in your student's target career path before committing. This matters more than the estimates can tell you.