International Relations and National Security Studies at Hampshire College

Based on comparable programs in Massachusetts, Hampshire's International Relations program appears positioned in the middle of the state's wide range. The estimated $45,870 first-year earnings matches the state median exactly—significantly above the national benchmark of $37,198—while the projected $21,125 in debt aligns closely with both state and national figures. This produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, suggesting graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary.

What's striking is the variance among Massachusetts schools: Tufts grads earn more than double what Mount Holyoke grads do in this field. Hampshire's estimated position at the state median suggests middling outcomes, though it's worth noting the school's distinctive approach to education (no traditional grades or majors) may attract students with different career trajectories than conventional IR programs. The 38% Pell grant enrollment indicates the college serves a meaningful number of lower-income students who need these financial calculations to work out.

The practical concern is whether mid-$40K earnings provide sufficient cushion for loan repayment, especially given Hampshire's relatively high cost of attendance. Similar programs suggest this debt load is manageable but leaves little room for extended job searches or lower-paying nonprofit work—common paths for IR graduates. Before committing, you'll want to understand why actual graduate outcomes aren't reported and whether Hampshire can provide its own employment data to verify these peer-program projections.