International Relations and National Security Studies at Capital University

Capital University's International Relations program shows a debt load that, while manageable at an estimated $21,500, pairs with first-year earnings that track below both the national median and Ohio's flagship universities. Based on four comparable Ohio programs, graduates typically earn around $35,564 in their first year—about $4,000 less than peers at Miami University or Ohio State, and nearly $2,000 below the national benchmark for this field.

The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests relatively modest borrowing relative to initial pay, which matters in a field where many graduates pursue government or nonprofit careers with structured but limited starting salaries. International relations degrees often require patience—the payoff frequently comes through graduate credentials or years of specialized experience rather than immediate post-bachelor's returns. The estimated debt here won't be crushing, but it's worth noting that peer programs in Ohio show a range of $6,000 in typical borrowing levels, with some schools loading graduates with considerably more debt for similar early earnings.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is career trajectory: if your student plans to continue directly into graduate school or knows they're targeting competitive federal positions that require specific credentials, the modest debt provides flexibility. If they're uncertain about the field or hoping for strong immediate earnings, comparable programs at larger state universities appear to produce slightly better early outcomes without necessarily requiring more borrowing.