International Relations and National Security Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Embry-Riddle's aviation-focused location in Prescott might seem like an unusual place for an international relations degree, but graduates are earning 26% more than the national median for this field—landing at $46,868 in their first year and climbing to $56,612 by year four. This puts them well ahead of typical IR graduates nationwide, though the program ranks in the middle of the pack among Arizona's limited offerings (just two schools offer this program in the state). The 21% earnings growth trajectory and manageable debt load of $22,901 (resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5) suggest graduates are finding solid footing in security-related fields where the university's aerospace connections may provide unexpected advantages.

The program's strength appears tied to Embry-Riddle's specialized institutional focus—students likely benefit from the university's defense industry connections and technical reputation, even in a non-engineering major. For context, Northern Arizona University's IR graduates earn about $17,000 less annually, suggesting this program successfully differentiates itself beyond typical political science pathways. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the debt burden remains reasonable enough that even lower-earning graduates should manage repayment comfortably.

For families willing to look beyond traditional liberal arts colleges, this program offers a practical path into national security careers with stronger-than-average earnings and controlled debt—a combination that's increasingly rare in international relations degrees.