International Relations and National Security Studies at Francis Marion University

International relations programs typically carry a significant mismatch between educational investment and early career returns, and Francis Marion's appears to follow this pattern. With comparable programs nationally producing first-year earnings around $37,200 against estimated debt of $22,100, graduates face a debt burden equal to more than half their starting salary—manageable on paper, but tight in practice when monthly payments consume a substantial portion of entry-level wages in foreign policy, nonprofits, or government work.

The numbers become more sobering when you consider that this field often requires additional credentials for advancement. Unlike engineering or nursing where a bachelor's degree opens direct career pathways, international relations frequently serves as a stepping stone to graduate school, internships in expensive cities like Washington D.C., or competitive fellowship programs. Similar programs in South Carolina suggest earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s, with top programs like Wofford reaching the low $40,000s—but even there, the financial runway remains short for someone carrying debt and contemplating further education.

For families without significant savings to supplement these early career years, this path demands careful financial planning. If your child is passionate about this field, focus conversations on how they'll bridge the gap between graduation and financial stability—whether through employer tuition assistance, federal public service loan forgiveness programs, or securing paid (not just prestigious unpaid) internships that lead somewhere concrete.