International Relations and National Security Studies at Tiffin University

Tiffin's program positions itself in a field where first-year earnings hover around $35,000 across Ohio—a figure that doesn't vary dramatically even among the state's flagship universities. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates here can expect earnings similar to those from Ohio State or Miami, though all cluster below the national median of $37,198. The estimated debt load of $21,500 produces a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary.

The challenge isn't unique to Tiffin—it's inherent to the field itself. International relations bachelor's degrees rarely command strong immediate earnings anywhere, with even top-performing programs typically seeing graduates start in the low-to-mid $30,000s. This is a credential that often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or entry-level government and nonprofit work rather than as a direct path to financial independence.

For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether your student has a clear plan for what comes after graduation. The degree-to-earnings picture suggests this isn't a field where the bachelor's alone generates strong returns, regardless of where you earn it. If your child is committed to this career path and Tiffin offers the right fit and opportunities, the financial fundamentals aren't worse than most alternatives in Ohio—but they're not better either.