International Relations and National Security Studies at Saint Francis University

Based on comparable International Relations programs in Pennsylvania, Saint Francis graduates might expect around $49,000 in first-year earnings—substantially higher than the $37,000 national median for this field. With estimated debt around $20,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable repayment, at least initially. However, these figures represent the Pennsylvania state median, not Saint Francis's actual outcomes, and this field is notoriously outcome-variable depending on whether graduates land government or nonprofit positions versus private sector roles.

The real question is whether Saint Francis can deliver results closer to Pennsylvania's stronger programs. The gap between Bucknell's $77,000 and Saint Francis's estimated mid-range outcomes is stark, though even Lehigh—a nationally ranked institution—reports just $36,000. This suggests the field itself produces uneven returns, and where you attend may matter less than the specific career path graduates pursue. Pennsylvania programs cluster around that $49,000 mark, which at least beats the national picture considerably.

For families considering this major, recognize you're looking at educated guesswork about outcomes. The debt load appears reasonable if those earnings estimates hold, but International Relations is a field where networking, internships, and graduate school often determine trajectory more than the bachelor's degree alone. If your student is set on this path, focus conversations on their post-graduation plans and whether Saint Francis provides the connections needed to access competitive opportunities.