International Relations and National Security Studies at Mercer University

An estimated $21,500 in debt for a degree that places graduates around $39,000 in first-year earnings looks manageable on paper—the 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio aligns closely with what similar programs produce nationally. But here's the catch: these figures are derived from peer institutions across Georgia and the broader national landscape because Mercer's own graduate outcomes aren't available. That means you're making a significant financial commitment based on what typically happens elsewhere, not what actually happens to Mercer graduates in this program.

The estimated earnings do match Georgia's state median for international relations programs, and they edge slightly above the national benchmark of $37,198. However, the spread among Georgia schools is striking—Emory graduates start around $45,000 while Georgia Southern averages just $27,000. Where Mercer falls within that range for its own students remains unclear. International relations degrees often depend heavily on internship networks, alumni connections in government or NGO sectors, and geographic proximity to employers—factors that vary enormously by institution and aren't captured in these broad estimates.

Given the absence of school-specific data, ask Mercer directly about placement rates, typical employers, and whether graduates stay in Georgia or relocate to higher-paying markets like Washington, D.C. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you're essentially betting on Mercer delivering outcomes comparable to its state peers without concrete evidence that it does.