International Relations and National Security Studies at Mount Mercy University

A debt load of $21,500 for a degree that comparable programs suggest will produce first-year earnings around $37,000 sounds manageable on paper—until you realize this is Iowa, where the cost of living advantage won't change the fact that international relations careers often require unpaid internships or graduate school to gain traction. Similar programs across the state suggest starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s, which aligns with national norms but leaves little cushion for loan payments while building a career that may demand additional credentials.

Mount Mercy's small program size (hence the estimated figures) could work either way for your student. A tight-knit cohort might mean more personalized attention and networking support, but it also raises questions about curriculum depth, career placement resources, and alumni networks in a field where connections matter enormously. The University of Iowa's reported outcomes are nearly identical to these estimates, suggesting the numbers are realistic for the Iowa market, but that market itself is limited—international relations graduates typically need to look beyond the state for career opportunities.

The bottom line: this program appears financially survivable, with debt staying below 60% of first-year earnings based on peer outcomes. But international relations is fundamentally a field built on credentials and geography, and Mount Mercy offers neither a brand-name advantage nor a strategic location near government or international organization hubs. If your child is committed to this field, have frank conversations about their willingness to relocate, pursue graduate education, or navigate lean early career years.