International Relations and National Security Studies at Towson University

Towson's International Relations program does something many political science tracks struggle with—it delivers strong income growth after graduation. While $39,208 in that first year puts graduates barely above the national median, earnings jump 39% by year four to reach $54,298, outpacing most comparable programs.

Among Maryland's eight schools offering this degree, Towson lands at the 60th percentile—essentially the state median alongside programs at much pricier institutions. The $25,000 debt load sits at exactly the state average but remains manageable with a 0.64 debt-to-income ratio, meaning graduates owe less than eight months of their starting salary. That's relatively modest for a field not known for lucrative entry-level positions.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Too many international relations graduates find themselves stuck in unpaid internships or low-wage nonprofit work well into their twenties. Towson's graduates appear to be finding their footing—whether in government contracting (common in the DC metro area), corporate roles, or positions that value their analytical skills. At an 83% admission rate with reasonable tuition, this represents a practical path into the field without the credential anxiety of competing with Johns Hopkins graduates while also avoiding the income struggles seen at some smaller Maryland programs.