International Relations and National Security Studies at Mercy University

A bachelor's in International Relations from Mercy University carries an estimated $23,797 in debt—slightly above both the state and national median for this field—for first-year earnings that peer New York programs suggest hover around $36,754. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically earn enough to handle their loan payments without extreme financial stress. However, these figures mask a significant earnings gap: top-tier programs in the state like Fordham and Hamilton produce graduates earning $45,000-$46,000, nearly $10,000 more than what similar programs typically deliver.

What makes this particularly relevant for Mercy is that 47% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are already stretching financially. For these students, the debt load matters enormously even when ratios look acceptable. International Relations degrees are notorious for requiring graduate school or prestigious internships to unlock higher-paying career paths, and starting at $36,754 leaves little cushion for either unpaid opportunities or saving toward further education.

The practical reality: if your student is passionate about international affairs and needs to stay in the New York area, this program's estimated outcomes suggest they'll graduate with debt levels they can likely manage—but they won't have the financial runway that graduates from higher-earning programs enjoy. Make sure they understand that breaking into competitive foreign service or policy careers often requires both patience and additional credentials beyond the bachelor's degree.