International Relations and National Security Studies at Otterbein University

When similar international relations programs in Ohio produce first-year earnings around $35,600, the estimated $21,500 in debt at Otterbein looks manageable—that's a 0.60 ratio, putting monthly loan payments at roughly $240 on a standard 10-year plan. That's about 8% of gross monthly income, comfortably within the conventional 10% guideline. The debt estimate actually comes in below what peer programs nationally typically carry ($21,634), suggesting relatively controlled borrowing costs even at a private institution.

The earnings picture, however, deserves context. While Otterbein's peer programs in Ohio cluster around the state median, top state programs like Miami University and Ohio State consistently produce graduates earning $38,000-plus in their first year—not a dramatic difference, but enough to matter when you're starting a career in a field known for competitive but not lucrative early positions. Nationally, the field's median of $37,198 sits just above Ohio's figures, reflecting regional wage variations.

For a parent, the key question is whether this estimated debt load justifies entering a field where even strong programs produce modest starting salaries. The numbers suggest affordability if your student secures typical outcomes, but there's little margin for error. If they're comparing offers, programs with reported rather than estimated data would give you more confidence about what graduates actually earn—and whether those top Ohio schools' better placement records justify their likely higher costs.