International Relations and National Security Studies at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 looks reasonable on paper, but for International Relations graduates, first-year earnings matter tremendously—and based on comparable programs in Ohio, this field starts modestly at around $35,600. That's slightly below the national median of $37,200, though the estimated $25,500 in debt (also drawn from similar Ohio programs) exceeds the national benchmark by about $4,000. For context, Ohio State and Miami University graduates in this field report earning closer to $38,700 in their first year, a gap that compounds over time when you're managing loan payments.

The challenge with International Relations degrees is that they often require graduate school or extensive networking to unlock higher-paying positions in diplomacy, intelligence, or international organizations. Starting at $35,600 with $25,500 in debt means about 20% of gross income goes to standard loan payments—manageable but tight, especially if grad school is on the horizon. Since these figures reflect what peer programs typically produce rather than Bowling Green's specific outcomes, it's worth noting that the small cohort size (which triggered data suppression) could mean anything from an emerging program to one with highly variable results.

If your child is passionate about international affairs and has a clear career path—including internships or language skills that boost employability—this could work. But if they're exploring the field casually, the modest starting salary and above-average debt suggest careful planning around what comes after graduation.