International Relations and National Security Studies at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

A bachelor's in International Relations at Georgia Tech lands in uncertain territory. Based on five comparable programs in Georgia, first-year earnings hover around $39,275—just above the national median for this field but roughly $5,700 below what Emory graduates report. The estimated $21,750 debt load translates to a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically dedicate half their first year's income to loans and clear them completely. That's reasonable leverage for a degree from a highly selective institution.

Here's the complication: Georgia Tech built its reputation on engineering and computing, not international affairs. Similar programs across Georgia show a $17,000 earnings spread between top and bottom performers, suggesting that institutional reputation alone doesn't guarantee strong outcomes in this field. The school's 16% admission rate and 1447 average SAT score attract exceptional students, but those credentials may matter less in a field where internships, language skills, and geographic mobility often drive career trajectories more than where you studied.

For parents considering this program, the debt appears manageable but the earnings picture remains foggy. If your child has concrete plans—think specific government agencies, NGOs, or graduate school pathways—Tech's connections in Washington and Atlanta could justify the investment. Without that clarity, you're betting on potential rather than proven outcomes in a field where this school isn't traditionally known to excel.