International Relations and National Security Studies at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's International Relations program starts slowly but makes up ground fast—graduates earn $31,254 in year one but jump to $53,050 by year four, a 70% increase that outpaces most programs in this field. That year-four figure lands above the national median and within striking distance of programs at schools like University of San Diego, despite the rocky start.

The low debt load of $16,750 is actually the program's strongest selling point, sitting well below both California's median ($19,094) and the national average ($21,634). While the program ranks at just the 40th percentile among California's 32 international relations programs—meaning it's middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state—it performs this feat while keeping students significantly less burdened by loans than peers. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, manageable even during the lean early years.

For families concerned about affordability (41% of students here receive Pell grants), this represents a practical path into international relations work without the debt load that often accompanies the field. Your student should expect to grind through lower-paying early positions—think nonprofit work, entry-level government roles, or research assistant positions—but the trajectory suggests those who stick with it see meaningful salary growth. Just know they're starting behind peers at elite programs and may take longer to reach mid-career earning potential.