International Relations and National Security Studies at Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's estimated debt load of around $21,000 sits near the national median for International Relations programs, while the projected first-year earnings of roughly $37,000—based on comparable California programs—create a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. That's solidly within the range where graduates can realistically handle loan payments on entry-level salaries, though it won't leave much breathing room.

The challenge with International Relations degrees anywhere is what those early earnings represent: often competitive, lower-paying positions in nonprofits, government, or think tanks that serve as stepping stones rather than destinations. Peer programs in California suggest graduates start around $37,000, but that state median masks enormous variation—from Stanford's $76,000 to programs producing $30,000 outcomes. Saint Mary's 89% admission rate and position as a smaller liberal arts college suggests it's likely tracking closer to the state median than the elite outliers, meaning your child should expect to start modestly regardless of the specific employer.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child has a clear path beyond that first job—graduate school plans, family connections in foreign service or defense, or specific language skills that distinguish them in the field. Without those advantages, an International Relations degree at this debt level becomes a longer-term investment whose payoff depends heavily on what comes next, not what comes immediately after graduation.