International Relations and National Security Studies at Butler University

Butler's International Relations program carries an estimated $21,500 in debt—close to the Indiana median—but similar programs nationally typically produce first-year earnings around $37,200, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. That's roughly six months of gross pay, which puts graduates in relatively strong position compared to many other liberal arts fields.

The challenge lies in what these national averages obscure. International relations careers often require additional credentials or start in lower-paying government or nonprofit positions before advancing. Programs in Indiana show remarkably consistent outcomes—Indiana University's campuses report nearly identical first-year earnings in the mid-$36,000 range—suggesting this field has a fairly predictable starting point regardless of institution. However, career trajectories can diverge sharply based on where graduates land: federal agencies, international organizations, or the private sector each offer dramatically different paths.

For families paying Butler's private school tuition with moderate debt, the key question is whether the school's connections and smaller class environment translate into access to competitive internships and entry-level positions. This field rewards networking and relevant experience more than the credential itself. If your student is likely to need graduate school (common for this major), factor that additional investment into your calculations—the bachelor's degree may be just the first step in a longer educational journey.