International Relations and National Security Studies at La Roche University

La Roche's International Relations program sits at a curious crossroads. Based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, graduates might expect to earn around $49,000 in their first year—considerably better than the national median of $37,000 for this field. The estimated $20,000 in debt also tracks below the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that looks manageable on paper. But here's what matters: these figures are drawn from just six peer programs in Pennsylvania, not La Roche's actual outcomes, so they represent what's *possible* rather than what's *typical* at this specific school.

The Pennsylvania benchmark itself reveals significant uncertainty. While similar programs in the state produce that $49,000 median, actual reported outcomes range dramatically—from Duquesne's $39,630 to Bucknell's $77,312. Where La Roche lands in that spectrum depends entirely on factors we can't see in this data: internship pipelines, employer relationships, alumni networks, and the specific career paths students pursue. International Relations is notoriously field-dependent; outcomes vary wildly based on whether graduates land government positions, nonprofit roles, or pivot to corporate work.

Given the estimation and the field's inherent variability, treat these figures as a starting point for deeper investigation. Ask La Roche directly about placement rates, where recent graduates actually work, and what support exists for navigating this competitive field. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but you'll need program-specific evidence to determine if that potential translates to reality for students at this particular institution.