International Relations and National Security Studies at Illinois Wesleyan University

Similar programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $38,000 for International Relations and National Security Studies graduates, putting this program right at the state median but trailing Northwestern's $58,000 by a significant margin. With an estimated debt load of $21,375—roughly 56% of first-year income—the financial picture mirrors what's typical both statewide and nationally for this degree path.

The challenge with International Relations degrees is that early career outcomes vary enormously depending on whether graduates land competitive positions in government, nonprofits, or the private sector. Northwestern's substantially higher earnings likely reflect both stronger D.C. recruiting pipelines and a more credentialed student network. At Illinois Wesleyan, a selective liberal arts college (45% admission rate, 1242 SAT average), students should expect outcomes closer to what Wheaton and DePaul graduates achieve rather than Northwestern's levels.

The debt-to-earnings ratio here is manageable but leaves little margin for error. If your child is genuinely committed to foreign policy work and willing to pursue internships aggressively—particularly in Chicago or D.C.—this program could work. But if they're considering International Relations as a "flexible" degree without clear career direction, the modest starting salary combined with $21,000 in debt creates real constraints. For families relying on financial aid, verify that your actual net cost aligns with these debt estimates before committing.