International Relations and National Security Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers' International Relations program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $37,200 trail what peer programs in New Jersey typically produce—the state median is $40,140, and Seton Hall's graduates report earning over $45,000. The estimated $22,100 in debt isn't alarming by itself, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, but when earnings lag behind both state competitors and what you'd hope for from a flagship university, the value equation becomes less clear.

The challenge isn't just the absolute numbers—it's what they suggest about career outcomes in this field. International relations careers often require graduate degrees or connections for better-paying positions, meaning these first-year figures might reflect entry-level government or nonprofit work while graduates regroup for next steps. Similar programs across the country show wide variation in outcomes, from $34,800 to $45,400 among New Jersey schools alone, suggesting that individual networking and internship success matter enormously.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures point to a credential that doesn't immediately pay dividends but keeps debt relatively contained. If your student is committed to this field and has concrete plans for graduate school or specific agency placements, Rutgers offers a respected name at a moderate cost. But if international relations is more of an exploratory interest, the earnings trajectory based on peer programs suggests this may be an expensive way to keep options open.