International Relations and National Security Studies at Cottey College

A $21,500 debt load for a bachelor's degree is relatively modest, but when paired with first-year earnings around $37,000—typical for International Relations graduates nationally—the financial math gets tight. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means you're looking at manageable loan payments, though hardly comfortable ones on an entry-level salary. The challenge here isn't crushing debt; it's that International Relations jobs often cluster in expensive metro areas (DC, New York) where $37,000 doesn't stretch far, or require unpaid internships and graduate degrees to advance.

Cottey's profile as a small college serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students suggests many families here are already stretching financially. While similar programs across the country produce these earnings figures, parents should recognize that International Relations careers often demand geographic flexibility and patience—embassy postings, think tank roles, and federal positions typically require moving away from Missouri and building experience through lower-paying entry positions first.

The estimated figures here align with national norms for the field, which means this isn't about Cottey specifically underperforming—it's about whether the International Relations career path fits your family's financial reality. If your child needs to earn immediately after graduation and stay near home, this major historically struggles to deliver. If they have flexibility for grad school, relocation, or building experience through modest-paying positions, the debt burden won't sink them.