International Relations and National Security Studies at Newberry College

A $21,500 debt load for a degree in international relations might sound manageable, but peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that lands right at the boundary of what experts consider reasonable. Half of Newberry's students receive Pell grants, meaning many families here are banking on this degree translating into economic mobility, not just an interesting major.

South Carolina offers limited options for this field, with just five bachelor's programs statewide. The two SC schools with actual reported data show vastly different outcomes: Wofford College graduates earn $43,000 while USC-Columbia graduates start at $34,000. Where Newberry would fall in that range is unknown given the small graduate cohort, but the national median suggests something closer to the middle. The challenge with international relations is that many career paths either require additional credentials (law school, master's degrees in policy or international affairs) or start with competitive, lower-paying positions in nonprofits or government.

For families considering this program, the real question is whether your child has concrete plans beyond the bachelor's degree. If they're heading toward graduate school or competitive internships that could lead to diplomatic corps or federal positions, the $21,500 debt is a foundation investment. If they're uncertain about next steps, comparable programs suggest they'll be earning roughly what a typical bachelor's graduate makes—without the career clarity that fields like nursing or accounting provide.