International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's International Relations program lands graduates squarely in the middle of what national security studies majors typically earn—about $38,250 initially, climbing to $42,603 by year four. That 11% growth isn't dramatic, but it's steady. The real advantage here is the debt picture: at $25,000, graduates borrow less than what they'll earn in their first year, which puts them ahead of many liberal arts fields where debt can easily exceed starting salaries.

How this stacks up depends on your reference point. Nationally, Delaware performs slightly above average (53rd percentile), suggesting their program is competitive but not elite. The debt load sits in the 22nd percentile nationally—meaning 78% of similar programs saddle students with more debt—which matters significantly for a field where many graduates pursue government work or graduate school before hitting higher salaries. The challenge is that even the top-earning programs in this field cap out around $45,000 nationally in early career stages, so expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

For families questioning whether this justifies four years of investment, consider that international relations often serves as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. Many graduates use it to launch into law school, graduate programs in policy, or federal positions that value the degree but require additional credentials for advancement. The manageable debt load makes those next steps more feasible than they'd be with $35,000-40,000 in loans.