International Relations and National Security Studies at Indiana University-Bloomington

IU-Bloomington's International Relations program struggles in its early years but shows promising momentum. Starting at $36,100—below both the national and Indiana medians—graduates see their earnings jump 49% by year four, reaching nearly $54,000. That growth trajectory stands out, though you're essentially paying for delayed returns that many competing programs deliver faster.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $19,000, graduates carry less than the state median and considerably less than the national average, keeping that initial debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.53. However, ranking in the 40th percentile among Indiana's 14 programs means most in-state alternatives start their graduates at higher salaries. Even IU-Indianapolis edges out Bloomington in first-year earnings, which matters when your child needs to cover rent and start building savings.

The reality: this program requires patience and faith in four-year projections over immediate payoff. If your student values IU-Bloomington's resources and alumni network enough to accept slower earnings growth, the manageable debt and eventual salary gains make it viable. But for families needing quicker financial independence post-graduation, Indiana offers International Relations programs that hit higher earnings marks sooner without significantly more debt.