International Relations and National Security Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia's prestige carries serious weight—admit just 4% of applicants with average SATs near 1550—but the estimated first-year earnings for this International Relations degree raise important questions about immediate return on investment. Based on comparable programs across New York, graduates in this field typically earn around $36,750 their first year out, placing them right at the state and national median. The estimated debt load of $23,800 is manageable relative to those earnings (about 65% of first-year income), but other elite New York schools like Fordham and Hamilton report significantly higher outcomes for their IR graduates, with first-year earnings exceeding $45,000.

The disconnect here matters because Columbia's broader reputation doesn't guarantee strong early earnings in every field. International Relations attracts students with diverse career paths—some heading to nonprofit work or graduate school, others to consulting or finance—which explains the modest initial numbers even at top-tier institutions. Your child might leverage Columbia's network into higher-paying opportunities, but peer programs suggest the degree itself doesn't command premium starting salaries the way Columbia's business or STEM programs might.

The practical takeaway: this program appears financially viable with reasonable debt, but don't assume Columbia's selectivity automatically translates to exceptional earnings in this particular field. If your child is drawn to international affairs, the investment pencils out—just recognize that the true value may emerge later in their career rather than in that crucial first paycheck.