International Relations and National Security Studies at California Lutheran University

California's International Relations programs span an enormous range, from Stanford grads earning $76,000 in their first year to state median outcomes around $37,000. California Lutheran falls squarely in the middle tier—similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings near $36,700 and debt around $20,800. That puts this program roughly on par with typical national outcomes for IR degrees but significantly behind the state's most competitive programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 looks manageable on paper—about six months of gross income to repay what you borrowed. That's better than many liberal arts degrees. But context matters: comparable programs at nearby USC and USD place graduates into $50,000+ starting salaries with similar debt loads. The difference between $37,000 and $50,000 in year one compounds over a career, particularly in a field where graduate school is often necessary for advancement and early earnings impact your ability to afford it.

For families paying California private school tuition, the estimated outcomes warrant scrutiny. If your child is drawn to international affairs, they might find similar entry points through less expensive UC or CSU options, or they might need to target the handful of California programs with demonstrated ability to place graduates into higher-paying roles. The median outcome here—based on peer programs—suggests a functional degree but not necessarily a competitive advantage in a crowded field.