International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Muhlenberg College

Analysis

Similar International Relations programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $49,000—a figure that places Muhlenberg's likely outcomes well above the national median of $37,000 for this degree. Pennsylvania stands out nationally for this field, with state programs consistently delivering stronger early-career results than their counterparts elsewhere. The estimated $20,000 debt load, if accurate, translates to a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, better than what many liberal arts degrees produce.

The challenge is context. While peer programs in Pennsylvania suggest solid outcomes, there's enormous variation within the state itself—from Bucknell's $77,000 to Lehigh's $36,000. Muhlenberg's selective admission profile (1327 SAT average, 64% acceptance rate) positions it closer to schools in the $50,000-$60,000 range, but without actual graduate data, you're operating on educated guesswork. The degree itself also matters: International Relations can lead to government work, consulting, nonprofits, or graduate school—paths with wildly different immediate earnings.

What's clear is that Pennsylvania's job market for this field appears stronger than most states, likely driven by proximity to DC, Philadelphia's nonprofit sector, and regional government opportunities. If your student is genuinely committed to this field and Muhlenberg's environment fits, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial outcomes. Just recognize you're betting on pattern-matching rather than proven results from this specific program.

Where Muhlenberg College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all international relations and national security studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

International Relations and National Security Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (32 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown	$60,240	$49,032*	—	$20,125*	—
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg	$64,772	$77,312*	$68,553	—*	—
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia	$66,104	$65,559*	$81,134	$10,470*	0.16
Lafayette CollegeEaston	$62,574	$58,433*	$64,575	$16,620*	0.28
Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh	$47,146	$39,630*	$56,192	$26,113*	0.66
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem	$62,180	$36,147*	$74,038	$21,250*	0.59
National Median	—	$37,198*	—	$21,634*	0.58

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international relations and national security studies graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Muhlenberg College, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.