International Relations and National Security Studies at Missouri Southern State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests a manageable starting point, but the absolute numbers tell a more sobering story. Similar International Relations and National Security Studies programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $37,000, which means monthly take-home pay after taxes of roughly $2,500. With an estimated $22,000 in debt, your child would face monthly loan payments between $220-250 on a standard plan—about 10% of gross income. That's workable, but leaves little cushion in a city where even Joplin's relatively low cost of living requires careful budgeting on this salary level.

The bigger concern is what happens after year one. This field typically requires graduate education or substantial experience to reach higher earning potential, and many graduates find themselves in competitive, lower-paying early-career positions with nonprofits, government agencies, or think tanks. Missouri Southern's 97% admission rate and accessibility mission serve an important purpose, but won't provide the elite credentials that sometimes help in this prestige-conscious field. Without actual outcomes data for this specific program, you're taking a leap of faith that their career services and alumni network can help navigate these challenges.

If your child is genuinely passionate about international affairs and understands they may need additional credentials later, this represents an affordable entry point compared to more expensive private schools. But if they're uncertain about the field or expecting immediate career momentum, programs with clearer employment pipelines might be worth considering.