International Relations and National Security Studies at The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama's International Relations program starts modestly at $35,324 but shows strong earnings growth, with graduates reaching $50,456 by year four—a 43% increase that outpaces typical career trajectories in this field. Within Alabama's limited landscape of four schools offering this major, this program sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly from these figures.

The $23,250 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year salary, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests graduates can realistically handle repayment even during those leaner early-career years. What's notable here is the earnings trajectory: while this program lands below the national median initially, by year four graduates are earning $13,000 more than the typical national first-year figure, suggesting the degree opens doors that take time to walk through—think government positions, NGO roles, or security-adjacent careers that require clearance or experience.

For families considering this path, the key question is whether your student can weather those early years financially. The debt is reasonable and the long-term outlook improves considerably, but this isn't a major that typically leads to immediate high earnings. If your child is genuinely committed to international affairs or national security work and understands the career timeline, Alabama offers a solid foundation without crushing debt.