International Relations and National Security Studies at Indiana University-Indianapolis

With a small sample size caveat in mind, IU Indianapolis's International Relations program appears to deliver slightly better outcomes than most Indiana alternatives, though it tracks closely with national norms. At the 60th percentile among Indiana programs, graduates here earn marginally more ($36,889) than the state median ($36,494), and interestingly, they do about as well as peers from IU Bloomington despite that campus's higher profile. The $22,600 debt load sits near both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61—manageable if unspectacular.

The real question for anxious parents is whether $37,000 starting salaries justify four years of investment in this field, regardless of where your child studies. International relations careers often require graduate degrees or security clearances to reach higher earning potential, and these first-year numbers reflect that early-career reality. The relatively accessible admission standards (81% acceptance rate) mean your student won't face intense competition to get in, but the job market competition afterward remains steep across the field.

If your child is committed to this career path and plans to stay in Indiana, this program won't put them at a disadvantage compared to alternatives. Just ensure they understand that $37,000 represents a starting point, not a destination, and factor in whether graduate school—and its additional costs—will be necessary for their specific career goals.