International Relations and National Security Studies at Northern Michigan University

Three Michigan programs reporting outcomes for this field suggest first-year earnings around $35,800—essentially matching what Northern Michigan's graduates would need to earn to achieve the state median. The estimated $24,800 in debt translates to monthly payments of about $275 over ten years, which represents roughly 9% of gross monthly income. That's manageable, though it assumes steady employment in a field where entry-level positions often cluster in government agencies, nonprofits, and policy organizations that may not offer rapid salary growth.

What makes this picture less certain is the limited data: with only 12 Michigan schools offering this degree and many suppressing their outcomes due to small graduate cohorts, it's difficult to know whether Northern Michigan's actual results align with these state estimates. The program falls slightly below the national median of $37,200, but the gap isn't dramatic. More concerning is that even the top-performing Michigan program (Michigan State at $38,800) doesn't significantly outpace these figures, suggesting the in-state market for international relations graduates may be constrained compared to opportunities in Washington, D.C. or other policy hubs.

If your student is committed to this field and plans to stay in Michigan, the debt burden appears reasonable relative to likely earnings. However, the career trajectory matters enormously—many international relations graduates need graduate degrees to advance, which means accepting this debt as just the first layer of educational investment rather than the final cost.