International Relations and National Security Studies at Norwich University

Norwich University's international relations program shows surprisingly divergent performance depending on your benchmark. While graduates earn about $7,000 more than the typical program nationwide (70th percentile), they lag significantly behind Vermont's median of $56,000, placing in just the 25th percentile statewide. This gap reflects the dominance of elite liberal arts schools in Vermont's small market—Middlebury's $68,000 median sets a high bar that few can match.

The financial fundamentals look solid at first glance: $43,600 starting salaries against just $16,850 in debt creates a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below concerning thresholds. Earnings climb to $51,200 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing in careers that value both Norwich's military heritage and international focus. That modest debt load—lower than 88% of similar programs nationally—gives graduates breathing room that many international relations majors lack.

However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift substantially year to year. If your student is drawn to Norwich's unique blend of military structure and international studies, the debt picture won't create problems. Just recognize they're unlikely to match the earnings of Vermont's more prestigious institutions, even if they outperform most programs nationally.