International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Bridgeport

A bachelor's in International Relations from the University of Bridgeport comes with estimated debt of $21,500—slightly below the national median for this field—but the earnings picture warrants careful consideration. Similar programs nationwide typically produce first-year earnings around $37,200, which puts this degree's estimated debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.58. That's manageable by Department of Education standards, but the bigger concern is what's happening within Connecticut itself. Other IR programs in the state report graduates earning $47,400 at the median, with top performers like Fairfield and Connecticut College breaking $45,000 to $49,000.

That $10,000 gap between peer programs in Connecticut and the national baseline used for these estimates matters when you're competing for the same entry-level positions in foreign affairs, policy analysis, or government work. The university serves over half its students with Pell grants, so affordable debt is meaningful, but IR careers—notoriously competitive and concentrated in expensive cities—demand strong credential recognition and alumni networks. With an admission rate of 64% and modest test scores, Bridgeport may not offer the same placement power as its state competitors.

The debt won't crush your child, but in a field where prestige and connections drive opportunity, these estimates suggest you'd be paying similar amounts for potentially different career trajectories. Compare actual graduate outcomes and employment support across Connecticut's six IR programs before committing.