International Relations and National Security Studies at King University

A Bachelor's in International Relations from King University carries an estimated $21,500 in debt—roughly aligned with the national median for this field—but the earnings picture deserves careful scrutiny. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,200, which would make the debt manageable at about six months of gross salary. However, Tennessee's own data tells a different story: the state median for this major is just $23,835, nearly $14,000 lower than the national figure. That gap matters when you're deciding where your child will likely launch their career.

The challenge with international relations degrees is that many graduates need graduate school or specific security clearances to access higher-paying roles, meaning that bachelor's-level earnings often represent just the starting point of a longer credentialing journey. With 42% of King students receiving Pell grants, many families here are financing this degree without significant financial cushion. If your child stays in Tennessee or the broader Southeast, where international organizations and federal agencies have limited presence compared to DC or major metros, that $23,800 figure becomes more relevant than the national average.

Consider whether your child has a concrete path to graduate school funding or family connections in government/NGO work. Without those advantages, this degree functions more as a liberal arts foundation than a direct career credential—which may be fine, but shouldn't come as a surprise four years in.