International Relations and National Security Studies at Seton Hill University

In Pennsylvania, International Relations programs produce dramatically different outcomes—from Bucknell's $77,000 first-year salaries down to Lehigh's $36,000. Based on comparable programs in the state, Seton Hill's graduates likely land near the middle of this range at around $49,000, which sits well above the national median of $37,000 for this field. That estimated debt load of $20,000 translates to manageable monthly payments of roughly $200—less than half a typical first-year earnings month.

The challenge with this program is uncertainty. The Department of Education suppresses data when graduate samples are too small, so these figures come from similar programs across Pennsylvania rather than Seton Hill's actual track record. While the statewide pattern suggests reasonable outcomes—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 is solid—you're essentially betting that Seton Hill delivers results comparable to the median Pennsylvania program. Given the school's 76% admission rate and moderate selectivity, that's plausible but not guaranteed.

For parents, this means looking beyond the numbers. If Seton Hill offers strong internship networks, faculty connections in government or international organizations, or alumni placement that you can verify directly, the estimated financial picture makes this viable. Without that evidence, you're taking a leap of faith that this smaller program can match the state average in a field where outcomes vary by 100% or more.