International Relations and National Security Studies at Tufts University

Tufts excels at preparing International Relations graduates for strong careers, with first-year earnings of $54,079 crushing both national ($37,198) and Massachusetts ($45,870) medians by roughly 45% and 18% respectively. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, demonstrating consistent placement into competitive government, nonprofit, and private sector roles. While it lands in the 60th percentile among Massachusetts programs—where Boston University ties Tufts at the top—that state comparison reflects just how competitive the Boston area is for IR programs rather than any weakness here.

The financial picture is excellent. Graduates carry only $16,375 in debt with a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than four months of their first year's salary. That's substantially below both national ($21,634) and state ($21,125) debt levels, likely reflecting Tufts' strong financial aid despite its selective 10% admission rate. Earnings grow a healthy 33% to $71,732 by year four, showing real career progression beyond entry-level positions.

For students who can gain admission and receive reasonable aid packages, this program delivers what selective universities should: strong earnings outcomes that justify the investment. The combination of significantly above-average starting salaries and below-average debt makes this one of the stronger IR programs in the country, particularly for students interested in the policy and security sectors concentrated around Boston and Washington D.C.