International Relations and National Security Studies at Loras College

A bachelor's in International Relations and National Security Studies from Loras College faces a challenging financial reality. Based on similar programs nationally, first-year earnings around $37,200 would leave graduates managing an estimated $21,500 in debt—numbers that might sound reasonable at first glance but reveal complications when you examine the field more closely. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means over half a year's salary goes toward educational debt, which becomes particularly difficult in a field where many career paths require additional graduate education or unpaid internships to advance. International relations is notoriously competitive, with federal agencies, NGOs, and international organizations often expecting master's degrees or specialized credentials for substantive positions.

The Iowa context adds another layer of concern. Peer programs in the state suggest similar earnings trajectories, with the University of Iowa—a much larger institution with more extensive alumni networks and recruitment pipelines—producing comparable outcomes around $36,400. For a small liberal arts college in Dubuque, location matters: most international relations opportunities cluster in Washington D.C., New York, or major metropolitan areas, meaning graduates likely need to relocate for career entry. That relocation cost, combined with typical starting salaries barely above $35,000 and existing debt obligations, creates a tight financial squeeze during precisely the career phase when professionals in this field need flexibility to pursue competitive opportunities.

If your child is committed to this field, understand that the undergraduate degree is likely a stepping stone requiring additional investment, not a terminal credential leading to career-level positions.