International Relations and National Security Studies at Eastern Washington University

Four years out, this program's graduates earn $48,551—a respectable figure that suggests the degree holds long-term value even if the estimated first-year number of $37,200 (based on national peers) seems modest. That four-year earnings jump is notable and represents real career progression in international relations fields, where entry positions often underpay but mid-career opportunities improve significantly. With estimated debt around $22,100, the debt-to-earnings ratio stays manageable at 0.59, meaning graduates would owe less than six months of their first-year salary.

The challenge is that Washington state data suggests wide variation in outcomes for this major—University of Puget Sound reports first-year earnings of just $28,176, well below Eastern Washington's estimated figure. Whether Eastern's actual graduates outperform or underperform that national baseline of $37,200 remains unclear given the suppressed data. What's encouraging is that by year four, graduates are earning nearly 31% more than their starting salary, indicating the credential opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving them stuck in entry-level roles.

For parents concerned about ROI, the four-year earnings figure matters more than the first-year estimate here. International relations careers often require time to gain traction, and this program appears to position graduates for that trajectory. The debt load is reasonable enough that even if first-year earnings disappoint, the financial burden shouldn't become crushing as careers develop.