International Relations and National Security Studies at Drew University

A debt load near $21,500 against first-year earnings around $37,000 creates a manageable starting point—the estimated 0.58 ratio means roughly seven months of gross income to clear the debt. That's better than many humanities degrees. However, these figures come from national peer programs rather than Drew's own graduates, making it harder to know what specifically distinguishes this program's outcomes. Comparable programs in New Jersey typically produce slightly higher earnings ($40,140), and Seton Hall's reported outcomes ($45,440) show that some international relations programs in the state deliver substantially more earning power early on.

The challenge with international relations as a field is that career paths vary wildly—some graduates land government or nonprofit positions that start modestly but offer structured advancement, while others struggle to find work directly connected to their degree. Drew's smaller size and 27% Pell population suggest a less wealthy peer network than you'd find at better-resourced schools, which matters in a field where connections often drive early opportunities. The 69% admission rate indicates selective but not highly competitive entry.

Before committing, try to speak with recent Drew graduates in this program specifically. Ask where they landed jobs, whether government security clearances or graduate school were necessary next steps, and how the debt felt in those first years. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but without actual outcomes data, you're making this decision somewhat blind.