International Relations and National Security Studies at Gettysburg College

Pennsylvania's International Relations programs show remarkable variation in outcomes, with first-year salaries ranging from roughly $36,000 to over $77,000 at institutions like Bucknell. Based on similar programs across the state, Gettysburg students typically start around $49,000—positioned in the middle of Pennsylvania's spectrum but notably ahead of the $37,000 national median. At an estimated $20,125 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests borrowers would dedicate less than half a year's salary to repaying what they owe, a manageable starting point compared to many liberal arts degrees.

The challenge here is predictability. While Pennsylvania programs in this field typically produce solid outcomes relative to national benchmarks, the $40,000 gap between mid-tier and top-tier Pennsylvania schools shows how much individual school networks and student outcomes can vary. Gettysburg's 48% admission rate and strong SAT profile place it among selective Pennsylvania colleges, which may support better-than-average career services and alumni connections in government and policy work.

For families investing in this credential, the state-wide estimates suggest reasonable prospects—graduates should be able to manage their debt while building careers in foreign service, intelligence, or policy analysis. However, recognizing that actual outcomes for Gettysburg specifically remain uncertain, conversations with the career services office about graduate placement rates and employer relationships would help clarify whether this program delivers closer to the state median or reaches toward the higher-performing Pennsylvania programs.