International Relations and National Security Studies at Connecticut College

Connecticut College graduates in International Relations earn well above the national median but trail most Connecticut competitors—a significant consideration given the state's concentrated market. While first-year earnings of $45,543 land in the 75th percentile nationally, they sit at just the 40th percentile among Connecticut's six programs. For context, nearby Fairfield University's graduates start at $49,239, a nearly $4,000 gap that compounds over time. The debt load of $25,855 is manageable with a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, but you're paying private school prices for middle-of-the-pack state outcomes.

The 42% earnings growth to $64,786 by year four is the program's strongest feature, suggesting graduates develop valuable skills that take time to monetize in this field. This trajectory outpaces what you'd see from many Connecticut alternatives. However, the moderate sample size means these numbers could shift with different cohorts, and the 14% Pell grant enrollment hints at a student body largely insulated from aggressive debt concerns.

The bottom line: If your child is set on this field and Connecticut College specifically, the financials work—the debt is reasonable and earnings climb substantially. But if staying in Connecticut post-graduation is likely, understand you're paying premium tuition for mid-tier state positioning. The stronger move might be negotiating merit aid or comparing total costs against Fairfield's outcomes.