International Relations and National Security Studies at New England College

In New Hampshire, International Relations programs show a tight earnings band, with the University of New Hampshire's reported figure at $34,036—suggesting graduates across the state face similar entry-level constraints regardless of where they earn their degree. New England College's program, drawing on national comparisons, points to first-year earnings around $37,000 paired with an estimated $21,500 in debt. That's a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, but it hinges on landing steady employment immediately after graduation in a field known for competitive entry points and government hiring freezes.

The challenge isn't the debt load itself—it's modest compared to many bachelor's programs—but rather what these degrees actually unlock career-wise. International relations graduates often need internships, security clearances, language skills, or graduate credentials to access the roles they're targeting. If your child heads straight into the workforce at $37,000, they'll manage loan payments, but advancement may require additional investment in education or unpaid/low-paid fellowship work that these estimates don't capture.

For a family considering this path: the financial fundamentals look reasonable on paper, but success depends heavily on what your student does beyond coursework—internships in D.C., language proficiency, networking in government or NGO circles. The open admission and high Pell enrollment suggest New England College serves students who need flexibility, but make sure your child has a concrete plan for building the resume that actually opens doors in this competitive field.