International Relations and National Security Studies at Maryville College

A bachelor's in International Relations and National Security Studies at Maryville College comes with estimated debt of $21,500—a manageable figure by national standards—but the first-year earnings picture based on comparable programs nationwide suggests earning around $37,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 falls within reasonable bounds, though it's worth noting that similar programs in Tennessee show considerably lower earnings, with Rhodes College graduates earning just $23,835 in their first year. The national median aligns with Maryville's estimates, but that still translates to modest starting salaries for a four-year degree.

The challenge with International Relations programs generally is that many graduates need additional credentials or pivot to adjacent fields to reach higher earning potential. First-year salaries around $37,000 can stretch thin when managing loan payments, even with debt kept below $22,000. If your child is committed to this field, understanding the typical career path—often requiring graduate school, security clearances, or geographic flexibility to access federal opportunities—matters as much as the initial numbers.

Given that both earnings and debt figures here are drawn from peer programs rather than Maryville's actual outcomes, treat this as a directional guide rather than a guarantee. The program could perform better or worse than these estimates suggest. If this field genuinely aligns with your child's goals and they're prepared for potentially modest early earnings, the debt load won't be crushing—but make sure they understand the career realities before committing.