International Relations and National Security Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

International Relations programs typically draw students with public service ambitions, but those career paths rarely translate to strong starting salaries. Comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,200—right at the median but substantially below what graduates need to comfortably manage education debt. With an estimated $21,500 in loans, this program lands at a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means every dollar earned covers nearly sixty cents of debt. That's manageable compared to some fields, but tight for graduates likely pursuing government or nonprofit roles where advancement can be slow.

The challenge here isn't unique to Indiana Wesleyan. Other International Relations programs in Indiana—including larger state universities with more established networks—report similar first-year outcomes in the $36,000-$37,000 range. The field itself simply doesn't command high starting wages, even for bachelor's degree holders. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, which suggests many families are already stretching financially to make college work.

For parents considering this program, the key question is whether their student has a specific career path in mind that will eventually justify the investment. Federal jobs, intelligence work, and diplomatic positions exist, but they're competitive and may require additional credentials. If your child is passionate about this field, the debt load isn't catastrophic—but they should enter with clear professional goals and realistic salary expectations for their first few years out.