International Relations and National Security Studies at State University of New York at Cortland

This SUNY Cortland program's estimated figures—$36,754 in first-year earnings against $19,322 in debt—suggest a manageable financial trajectory, though peer data reveals some important context. Similar international relations programs across New York span a wide range, with elite privates like Fordham pushing $46,000 while public options cluster around the state median where this program sits. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means graduates from comparable programs typically carry debt equal to roughly half their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a bachelor's degree.

What works in this program's favor is the relatively modest debt load compared to the state median of $21,634 for similar programs. That $2,300 difference matters when you're starting a career in international affairs or government work, where entry salaries often require careful budgeting. The earnings estimate aligns closely with both state and national benchmarks ($37,198 nationally), suggesting this field produces fairly consistent outcomes regardless of where you study—meaning the SUNY price point could be an advantage over pricier alternatives.

The uncertainty here is real: we're relying on peer program outcomes, not actual graduate data from Cortland's specific cohorts. For a field where networking and internship access can significantly impact early career prospects, dig into what Cortland offers beyond the classroom—Washington semester programs, alumni connections in government or NGOs, and career services matter tremendously when the degree itself produces middling starting salaries across the board.