International Relations and National Security Studies at Notre Dame College

In Ohio, International Relations programs show a wide earnings spread, from around $31,000 to nearly $39,000 at flagship universities. Notre Dame College's estimated first-year earnings of $35,564—based on the state median for this field—land right in the middle of that range, though notably below what graduates from Miami or Ohio State typically earn.

The estimated $21,500 in debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60, meaning monthly loan payments would consume roughly 5-6% of gross income. This is substantially better than the national median debt for IR programs ($21,634) and particularly favorable compared to Ohio's state median of $25,500. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, Notre Dame serves many first-generation and lower-income students who especially need to minimize borrowing.

The challenge is that these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not actual outcomes for Notre Dame graduates. The relatively modest first-year earnings—about $4,000 below national benchmarks—suggest this path requires careful planning. International Relations degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs or government work that takes time to materialize. If your child is committed to the field and has a clear next step (whether grad school, foreign service, or specific employers), the manageable debt provides flexibility. But if they're uncertain about their direction, the combination of estimated outcomes and below-benchmark earnings warrants serious conversation about whether this investment aligns with their career timeline.