International Relations and National Security Studies at Indiana University-Southeast

A $22,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $37,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—well below the 1.0 threshold that typically signals repayment trouble. While these figures are estimates based on national benchmarks for similar international relations programs rather than IU-Southeast's actual graduate outcomes, they suggest a reasonable financial foundation. The challenge lies in what happens after that first year. International relations careers often require geographic mobility, advanced degrees, or connections that can take time to develop, meaning graduates may face a longer runway to reach higher earnings levels.

Indiana's market for this field appears consistent, with IU-Southeast's estimated outcomes tracking closely with reported figures from IU-Indianapolis ($36,889) and IU-Bloomington ($36,100). However, at 34% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are balancing tight budgets where even manageable debt matters. The real question becomes whether your child has a clear path to leverage this degree—internships with government agencies, NGOs, or think tanks that often favor candidates from flagship universities.

If your child is committed to this field and plans to stay in the region or pursue federal employment, the numbers work. But given that we're working with estimates rather than actual IU-Southeast outcomes, you'll want to confirm their career services actively support international relations students with networking and placement, since connections often matter more than credentials in this sector.