International Relations and National Security Studies at Gonzaga University

Is a degree in international relations worth $21,500 in debt when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000? The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 looks manageable on paper—lower than many humanities fields—but that calculation depends heavily on estimates. The actual four-year earnings figure of $55,000 shows meaningful income growth over time, suggesting graduates do find their footing after a slower start.

What complicates the picture is Washington state's market for this degree. The state median of $28,000 falls well below the national figure, and Gonzaga's single comparable program in-state (University of Puget Sound) reports outcomes in that same range. If your child plans to stay in the Pacific Northwest, the national earnings estimate may be optimistic. The field typically rewards those who land in Washington D.C. or other policy hubs, which means geographic flexibility becomes part of the investment equation.

The debt load itself appears reasonable for a private university education, estimated at roughly half a year's starting income based on national patterns. But with both earnings and debt figures derived from peer programs rather than Gonzaga's actual graduates, you're making decisions with limited visibility into this specific program's track record. The four-year earnings data suggests the degree eventually pays off, but the uncertainty around that crucial first year—when loan payments begin—matters more than schools typically acknowledge.