International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Indianapolis

A bachelor's in International Relations and National Security Studies from the University of Indianapolis comes with an estimated debt load of $21,500—slightly below the national median for this field—but peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 falls within manageable territory, though families should recognize these figures represent what comparable programs produce, not verified outcomes from UIndy's specific graduates.

Indiana's market for international relations graduates appears relatively consistent, with peer institutions like IU-Indianapolis and IU-Bloomington reporting first-year earnings in the $36,000-$37,000 range. This suggests the state may offer limited variation in entry-level opportunities for this credential, regardless of where you earn it. The field nationally shows substantial earnings spread—top programs reach $45,000—but most graduates cluster in this mid-to-high $30,000 range initially. For a career path that often requires graduate education or security clearances to advance significantly, that starting point matters.

The practical question is whether $21,500 in debt makes sense when your child will likely need additional credentials to reach higher earnings potential in diplomacy, intelligence, or defense work. The numbers aren't alarming—monthly payments would consume a reasonable portion of that estimated first-year salary—but families should plan for this as potentially step one of a longer educational investment rather than a complete career preparation.