International Relations and National Security Studies at Kent State University at Kent

Based on comparable programs across Ohio, students in this field typically earn around $36,000 in their first year—trailing both national benchmarks and stronger in-state options like Miami University and Ohio State by roughly $3,000. Kent State's International Relations program lands in the middle of Ohio's range, but that middle isn't particularly encouraging when even top-tier state programs struggle to break $40,000.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $25,500, graduates here carry about $4,000 more than the national median but stay well below the threshold where repayment becomes genuinely burdensome. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, the numbers suggest manageable monthly payments, though not the kind of financial cushion that allows for quick payoff or aggressive savings. Similar programs in Ohio show this pattern consistently—modest debt paired with modest earnings creates a slow-growth trajectory rather than immediate financial stress.

The reality is that International Relations degrees at the bachelor's level rarely command strong starting salaries anywhere, and Kent State appears no exception. If your child is drawn to government work, nonprofit advocacy, or graduate school in this field, the debt load won't derail those plans. But if they're counting on early financial independence or rapid career advancement, peer programs suggest this path typically requires patience, possibly additional credentials, and comfort with an extended timeline to financial stability.