International Relations and National Security Studies at Gordon College

Gordon College's International Relations program appears positioned at the solid middle of the Massachusetts market, with estimates suggesting first-year earnings around $45,870—a figure that matches the state median and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $37,198. The estimated debt load of $21,125 yields a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For a liberal arts program that typically doesn't lead to immediate high earnings, these peer-program figures suggest reasonable financial footing.

What's less clear is Gordon's specific track record. Both the earnings and debt figures here are drawn from comparable Massachusetts programs because this particular major produces too few graduates for the Department of Education to report outcomes. That means we're looking at what similar International Relations programs typically produce in the state, not what Gordon's own alumni have actually experienced. The college's 59% admission rate and average SAT of 1268 suggest a moderately selective environment, which could support outcomes in line with state peers—but without actual data, there's real uncertainty.

The practical takeaway: if your child is drawn to this field and Gordon's Christian liberal arts environment, the estimated financials don't flash warning signs. But given the data limitations, dig into Gordon's specific career services, alumni networks, and placement patterns in government, nonprofits, or graduate programs. Those concrete details matter more than state averages when you're making a school-specific bet.