International Relations and National Security Studies at Hollins University

Virginia's International Relations programs cluster tightly around $44,600 in first-year earnings, and Hollins appears positioned right in that pack based on peer program outcomes. Even flagship programs like Virginia Tech and UVA show graduates earning in the mid-$40,000s—suggesting this field's early compensation remains modest regardless of institutional prestige. The estimated $21,500 debt load keeps this program accessible, with graduates owing roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point in a field where advancement often requires patience and strategic positioning.

The real question is trajectory. International relations careers typically reward graduate credentials and specialized expertise gained over time, making that initial $44,000 less important than where graduates land five or ten years out. Similar programs across Virginia suggest this path works for students who enter with realistic expectations about government, nonprofit, or international organization salaries—sectors that value mission over immediate compensation. The field attracts students passionate about policy and global affairs, but parents should understand that passion won't accelerate the salary timeline.

For families evaluating Hollins, the moderate debt estimate matters more than the earnings figure. If your student can graduate near or below this $21,500 threshold through aid or family contribution, they'll have breathing room to pursue competitive internships, language immersion, or graduate programs that strengthen their eventual career prospects. This isn't a path to quick financial returns, but the debt-to-earnings picture won't trap graduates either.