International Relations and National Security Studies at New York University

A $24,000 debt load for a degree from one of the nation's most selective universities might sound reasonable—until you consider that similar International Relations programs across New York produce first-year earnings around $37,000. With NYU's prestigious brand and 9% acceptance rate, you'd expect graduates to command a premium, yet the estimated figures here track exactly with the state median. Meanwhile, peer institutions like Fordham and Hamilton report actual outcomes north of $45,000, raising questions about whether NYU's particular program delivers the career launch that justifies its selectivity.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sits in reasonable territory, but context matters. These estimates come from a small cohort—too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes—which means this isn't a flagship major at NYU. International Relations bachelor's degrees nationally produce modest starting salaries regardless of institution, with the field attracting students driven more by mission than immediate income. If your child is set on this path, they need a clear plan for graduate school or specific career connections, because the degree alone won't provide financial momentum in year one.

For an institution charging premium tuition, the estimated outcomes here look surprisingly ordinary. If your child has the academic profile to gain admission to NYU, they likely qualify for schools with stronger reported outcomes in this field—or could pursue this major at a state school for significantly less debt.