International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Georgia

UGA's International Relations program graduates start modestly at $39,275, but the trajectory tells a more promising story—earnings jump 36% to $53,201 by year four, one of the stronger growth curves you'll see in this field. With debt at $19,500 (below the $21,634 national median), graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable ratio that gives them breathing room early in their careers when many international relations grads are taking lower-paying positions to build experience.

Within Georgia, this program sits right at the state median for earnings, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. It trails Emory ($45,022) and the University of North Georgia ($43,564) initially, but that gap narrows considerably by year four as UGA graduates move into mid-career roles. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not statistical noise.

For parents, the calculation here depends on career patience. If your child is pursuing foreign service, policy work, or international organizations—fields where entry-level pay is typically low but experience compounds—UGA provides a respected name without crushing debt. The 36% earnings growth suggests graduates successfully transition beyond those starter positions. Just understand that year one will likely mean watching your graduate stretch a $39,000 salary in a competitive job market.