International Relations and National Security Studies at Lawrence University

Lawrence University's International Relations program sits in a challenging spot: peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, while the estimated debt load of $21,500 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. That's manageable on paper—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold—but the modest starting salary means monthly loan payments will still claim a meaningful chunk of take-home pay early in your graduate's career. Wisconsin programs in this field typically produce slightly better outcomes (around $40,000), though Marquette's $43,000 median shows the potential upside within the state.

The real question is whether Lawrence's liberal arts environment and network justify these numbers when similar programs exist at Wisconsin's public universities. International relations careers often require graduate school or security clearances that take time to develop, meaning that $37,000 starting figure may reflect entry-level positions before your child's career truly launches. The field rewards patience and additional credentials, which makes that debt—even at a reasonable ratio—feel heavier when rent and loan payments compete with saving for a master's degree.

If your child is set on this path at Lawrence, the debt burden won't be crushing, but they should enter with realistic expectations about starting salaries and a plan for how their first few years will unfold financially. Programs with stronger reported outcomes exist in Wisconsin, which makes this a decision about fit and opportunity rather than pure return on investment.