International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Evansville

International relations graduates from peer programs nationally typically earn around $37,000 in their first year—figures that align closely with what similar programs in Indiana produce. The University of Evansville's estimated outcomes track directly with these benchmarks, suggesting neither a premium nor a penalty for this particular program. With estimated debt of $21,500, students would face annual payments of roughly $240 per month, consuming about 8% of their gross income—a manageable but not insignificant burden for entry-level salaries in this field.

The challenge here isn't the debt load itself but rather the career trajectory that international relations degrees typically follow. These programs often lead to government positions, nonprofit work, or roles requiring graduate education, where early earnings remain modest regardless of where you studied. The comparable outcomes at Indiana's flagship universities—where reported data shows virtually identical first-year earnings—underscore that institutional prestige doesn't dramatically shift the financial picture for this major at the bachelor's level.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether your student is committed to the specific career paths this degree opens, many of which compensate through job security and mission-driven work rather than salary growth. The estimated figures here suggest a standard entry point for the field, not an outlier.