International Relations and National Security Studies at Georgetown University

Georgetown's International Relations program launches graduates into starting salaries 36% above the national median, then delivers 40% earnings growth over four years—not a common trajectory for this field. That $70,549 four-year mark outpaces what most IR programs achieve even at their peak, and the $17,500 in debt sits well below both national and DC averages.

The District of Columbia context matters here. With only five schools offering this major, Georgetown sits in the middle of the pack locally—George Washington edges it out slightly while American trails behind. But zoom out nationally and Georgetown ranks in the 92nd percentile, meaning it outperforms nearly every IR program outside the capital region. That gap reveals what you're really paying for: access to DC's unique ecosystem of government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations where IR degrees translate into actual career pathways rather than vague aspirations.

The debt picture is notably cleaner than most Georgetown programs, likely reflecting some combination of institutional aid and students from wealthier backgrounds (only 10% receive Pell grants). At 0.35 times first-year earnings, this debt load is manageable even before accounting for that robust salary growth. For students serious about international affairs careers who can gain admission to this highly selective program, the numbers support the investment—especially if they're prepared to leverage Georgetown's capital location rather than simply collecting a prestigious credential.