International Relations and National Security Studies at East Tennessee State University

Based on comparable International Relations programs nationwide, ETSU graduates can expect to earn around $37,000 in their first year—nearly $14,000 more than the typical Tennessee program in this field. That figure suggests the program may deliver stronger outcomes than its in-state competitors, though without ETSU-specific data, it's impossible to know if this holds true here.

The estimated debt load of $22,100 creates a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a field known for lower early-career pay, though International Relations careers often require graduate degrees or security clearances that delay higher earnings. The school's 35% Pell grant population also suggests many students here are managing limited family resources, making that debt burden more significant in practice.

The real uncertainty is whether ETSU's program actually delivers that national median outcome or tracks closer to Tennessee's much lower $23,800 figure (the only reported in-state data point, from Rhodes College). Given ETSU's regional focus and 87% admission rate, your child could reasonably land anywhere in that $14,000 range depending on career path, internships, and geographic mobility after graduation. If they're committed to this field, push them to pursue federal internships or language skills that open doors beyond East Tennessee's limited IR job market.