Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,915
5th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$22,114
Est. from national median (56 programs)

Where Northern Kentucky University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Northern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

International Relations and National Security Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$21,915โ€”$22,114*โ€”
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg$64,772$77,312$68,553โ€”*โ€”
Stanford UniversityStanford$62,484$76,166$96,952โ€”*โ€”
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at MontereyMontereyโ€”$68,344$84,567โ€”*โ€”
Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury$65,280$68,344$84,567โ€”*โ€”
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$65,559$81,134$10,470*0.16
National Medianโ€”$37,198โ€”$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 Northern Kentucky University, approximately 24% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.