International Relations and National Security Studies at Drake University

Similar International Relations programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—a challenging starting point when Drake estimates indicate roughly $21,500 in debt at graduation. That's a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, which falls within manageable territory, but the underlying question is whether these modest early earnings justify the investment in a private university education.

Drake's selective profile (64% admission rate, 1288 SAT average) positions it as a solid regional institution, yet the estimated outcomes for this major don't show a clear premium over Iowa's public options. The University of Iowa reports nearly identical earnings for this field at $36,376, likely with lower debt loads given public tuition rates. For International Relations specifically, these figures aren't surprising—the field typically requires graduate education or strategic networking to access higher-paying roles in diplomacy, policy analysis, or national security. Many graduates spend years in internships, nonprofit work, or government entry positions before their credentials translate to stronger earnings.

The debt level appears manageable relative to income, but parents should recognize they're looking at estimates drawn from peer programs, not Drake's actual track record in placing graduates. If your child is set on International Relations, have frank conversations about career timelines and whether graduate school factors into the plan—because $37,000 starting salaries often mean extended financial dependence while building relevant experience in competitive fields like foreign service or intelligence work.