Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at Salisbury University

The small sample size here demands caution, but there's an interesting tension in Salisbury's Peace Studies numbers: graduates earn less than the national median initially but actually outperform most Maryland programs in this field. That 60th percentile state ranking matters for families considering in-state options, though with only two Maryland schools offering this degree, the comparison point is limited. The $37,413 starting salary sits about $3,500 below the national median for peace studies programs, while the debt load is slightly better than average.

The 32% earnings growth from year one to year four shows graduates gaining traction, reaching nearly $50,000 by their fourth year out—a solid trajectory for a field often associated with nonprofit and public service work. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 means borrowers face manageable repayment, though starting salaries will require careful budgeting in those early years. Given Salisbury's 89% admission rate and relatively affordable in-state tuition structure, this program likely serves as an accessible entry point to conflict resolution careers.

For Maryland families, this degree offers reasonable value if your child is genuinely committed to peace-building work and understands the modest starting salary. The career growth pattern suggests patience pays off, but students should enter with realistic expectations about nonprofit sector compensation and potentially supplement this major with practical skills in mediation, international relations, or nonprofit management.