International Relations and National Security Studies at Campbellsville University

Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,200 for this bachelor's degree, with estimated debt of $21,500—a manageable 0.58 ratio that falls within the range financial aid experts consider reasonable. What's striking is the gap between national and Kentucky outcomes: the only state school reporting actual data shows earnings of just $22,000, nearly $15,000 below the national figure. This raises questions about whether Campbellsville's program connects graduates to the federal government, defense contractors, or international organizations that typically drive higher salaries in this field, or whether graduates remain in Kentucky where opportunities appear more limited.

The national benchmark provides some reassurance—comparable programs across the country produce outcomes that make the debt load serviceable. But the Kentucky data point suggests geographic constraints matter significantly in international relations careers. Much depends on factors the numbers can't reveal: Does this program have established pipelines to Washington D.C. agencies, does it support students through security clearances, and what percentage of graduates actually leave Kentucky for better-paying markets?

For a parent, the key question is whether your child has the mobility and connections to access national-level opportunities. If they're planning to stay in Kentucky or lack the resources to relocate for internships and entry-level positions, the state's $22,000 reality may be more relevant than the $37,000 national estimate. The debt itself isn't alarming, but the career path requires intentionality about where your graduate will actually work.