International Relations and National Security Studies at Saint Anselm College

A first-year salary around $37,000—the national median for international relations programs—combined with an estimated $21,500 in debt creates a manageable but tight financial start. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates would face slightly more than half their annual salary in student loans, a burden that's serviceable but leaves little room for the lifestyle many associate with a private college education. For context, New Hampshire's median for this field sits lower at $34,000, though that figure comes from limited reporting across just three programs statewide.

The real uncertainty here is that both the earnings and debt figures are national estimates—neither reflects what Saint Anselm graduates specifically experience. With only 11% of students receiving Pell grants and a relatively accessible admission rate, this appears to be a program serving primarily middle and upper-middle-class families, but we can't see whether those families are getting differentiated outcomes. International relations careers often depend heavily on internships, graduate school, and geographic mobility, factors that can swing earnings considerably above or below the $37,000 baseline.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a program that won't bury graduates in debt but also won't deliver immediate financial rewards. If your student is genuinely passionate about international affairs and you can afford the investment without strain, the moderate debt load provides breathing room for the unpaid internships or graduate programs this field often requires. If affordability is uncertain, you'll want firmer data on where Saint Anselm's graduates actually land.