International Relations and National Security Studies at Liberty University

Liberty's International Relations program turns in solid earnings—$43,567 in the first year, rising to $60,138 by year four. That 38% jump is the real story here. While first-year graduates earn slightly below Virginia's median for this field, they catch up quickly and land well above the national average (69th percentile nationally). The debt load of $21,750 translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary.

The Virginia comparison tells an interesting tale. Liberty sits in the 40th percentile among state programs initially, trailing the flagship schools like UVA and William & Mary. But that strong earnings trajectory suggests Liberty grads build momentum in their careers—by year four, they're earning more than graduates from several higher-ranked state programs started with. For a school with 99% admission and nearly 40% of students on Pell grants, that upward mobility matters.

The bottom line: If your child is considering this program, the debt is reasonable and the earnings growth is encouraging. The first year might feel modest compared to elite Virginia programs, but graduates appear to find their footing quickly. This works best for families prioritizing access and manageable debt over prestige.