International Relations and National Security Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Is a bachelor's degree in International Relations worth $21,500 in debt when first-year earnings hover around $37,000? Comparable programs nationally suggest this is the baseline starting point for the field—not a particularly strong position, but roughly aligned with what peer institutions in Indiana report. The challenge here is that we're extrapolating from similar programs rather than tracking this specific cohort, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether Indiana Wesleyan's curriculum, internship networks, or career advising might push outcomes meaningfully higher or lower than the typical range.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 falls into manageable territory, representing about seven months of gross income. That's workable if your graduate lands a steady policy, government, or NGO position quickly. However, international relations careers often require additional credentials—graduate degrees, security clearances, language training—which means this bachelor's may function more as a foundation than a terminus. If your child needs to pursue further education without substantial work experience first, that initial debt compounds.

The practical question: does your student have clear career targets that this degree directly serves, or is it more exploratory? Given the modest starting salary and the field's credential inflation, this investment makes more sense for students with specific government or security sector ambitions than for those still figuring out their direction. The estimates suggest typical outcomes, but you're buying into uncertainty about how well this particular program positions graduates competitively.