International Relations and National Security Studies at Occidental College

Occidental's International Relations program tells an unusual story: graduates struggle early but see exceptional gains within four years. That first-year salary of $35,231 lags behind both national and California medians, placing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. But by year four, earnings nearly double to $69,388—growth that vastly outpaces typical trajectories in this field. This suggests graduates are either landing competitive positions after gaining experience or pursuing post-graduate education that pays off relatively quickly.

The $19,275 in median debt is reasonable, running slightly below the state median and creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio even with that weak first-year number. The real question is whether families can weather that initial earning period. For context, this program ranks well behind USC ($52,262 first-year) and USD ($50,948), though it ultimately catches up to schools like Middlebury Institute by year four.

This pattern fits a liberal arts college where many graduates pursue competitive internships, graduate programs, or government positions that require patience. If your student needs immediate earning power or can't afford to subsidize those first years out of college, the delayed payoff creates real financial pressure. But if they have runway to build credentials, the four-year outcome competes respectably with stronger-performing California programs.