International Relations and National Security Studies at Roger Williams University

Based on similar programs nationally, Roger Williams' international relations degree suggests modest early returns that lag notably behind Rhode Island's market. While Brown reports $46,284 in first-year earnings for its international relations graduates, comparable programs across the country typically produce starting salaries around $37,000—a significant gap that likely reflects both institutional prestige differences and the varying career trajectories these programs enable.

The estimated debt load of $21,500 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. That's workable compared to many liberal arts degrees, and the figure aligns closely with national norms for this field. However, the real question is whether these early earnings improve substantially over time, as international relations careers often require graduate credentials or years of experience before reaching higher-paying policy, intelligence, or diplomatic roles.

For families weighing this investment, the key issue is trajectory. If your child is committed to a career path requiring further education or willing to start in lower-paid public service or nonprofit roles, the debt burden won't be crushing. But if they're hoping for immediate financial independence after graduation, peer programs suggest this degree alone may not deliver that outcome. Understanding whether Roger Williams provides strong internship pipelines to federal agencies, NGOs, or research institutions becomes critical in evaluating whether this specific program justifies its cost.