International Relations and National Security Studies at Trinity Washington University

A $50,000 first-year salary sounds impressive for international relations, but remember this figure comes from just three DC programs, not Trinity's actual graduate outcomes. The $22,000 estimated debt load is manageable with a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, though you're essentially betting that Trinity's graduates will match outcomes at schools like Georgetown and George Washington—institutions with vastly different selectivity and networks.

The DC location matters enormously in this field. Comparable programs across the country typically see graduates earning just $37,000 their first year out, while DC programs hover around $50,000, likely reflecting proximity to federal agencies, think tanks, and embassies. Trinity serves a predominantly working-class student body (51% receive Pell grants), and while the open admission policy makes access easier, it also raises questions about whether graduates will command the same salaries as peers from more selective DC universities in a credential-conscious field.

The real risk here is that these estimates might not capture Trinity's specific outcomes. International relations is notoriously competitive and network-dependent. If your child thrives in a supportive environment and leverages DC's opportunities aggressively through internships and connections, the investment could work. But if Trinity's actual placement falls short of these peer-based estimates, that $22,000 in debt becomes harder to justify on a potentially lower salary.