International Relations and National Security Studies at Niagara University

Based on peer programs across New York, an International Relations and National Security Studies degree typically leads to first-year earnings around $36,750—right at the state median but well below what graduates from Fordham ($46,653) or Syracuse ($43,249) command. The estimated $23,800 in debt sits slightly above both state and national medians for this field, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 remains manageable. Still, starting just above minimum wage with nearly $24,000 to repay means tight budgets early on, especially if your student heads to expensive cities where international relations careers cluster.

What complicates the picture is that we're working entirely from estimates here—neither earnings nor debt figures are reported for Niagara's specific program. The $36,750 figure comes from nine similar programs in New York, while debt reflects outcomes at comparable private institutions in the state. For context, national data shows this major produces highly variable outcomes: the top quarter of programs nationally see graduates earning $45,400 or more, suggesting school prestige and career services matter significantly in this field.

The bottom line: if your student is drawn to international relations, understand they're likely starting around $37,000 with monthly loan payments approaching $270. That's financially feasible but leaves little margin for error. Before committing, push hard on Niagara's career placement specifics—internships, alumni networks, grad school placement rates—since those concrete outcomes matter more than these estimated figures when actual program data remains unavailable.