International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's International Relations program starts graduates nearly $7,000 below the national median, but the earnings trajectory tells a more optimistic story. That first-year figure of $30,261 jumps 39% to $41,914 by year four—landing just shy of what top programs nationally deliver at the starting line. The $24,400 in debt is actually more manageable than it appears, coming in below the national median and representing less than one year's starting salary.

The state comparison is tricky here: this program ranks at the 60th percentile among Idaho's four offerings in this field, but since the state median matches this school's first-year earnings exactly, you're essentially looking at the typical outcome for the state. The real question is whether your child is positioned to ride that earnings curve upward. The substantial growth from year one to year four suggests graduates who persist in the field (likely government or policy work) see meaningful advancement, while those who pivot may stay closer to that modest starting point.

For a family comfortable with the reality that your child's first job won't pay particularly well, this could work—the debt load won't strangle them while they build experience. But if they need immediate earning power after graduation, this isn't the program to deliver it. The bet here is on career growth, not starting salary.