International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Mississippi

In Mississippi, International Relations and National Security Studies programs are rare—only two schools offer this bachelor's degree—and both lack published outcome data. Based on national peer programs, first-year earnings around $37,000 against roughly $22,000 in debt creates a manageable but modest starting point. That 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loans, but there's little margin for error if job prospects don't materialize quickly.

The challenge with this field is its breadth: some graduates land in government or defense sectors with clear career tracks, while others face a more uncertain job market where language skills, security clearances, or graduate education become necessary differentiators. The University of Mississippi's 98% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores suggest it may not provide the same networking advantages or recruiting pipelines that more selective programs offer—factors that often matter significantly in competitive international relations careers.

Without actual data from Ole Miss graduates in this program, you're making decisions in the dark. The estimated figures from peer schools suggest a workable financial picture, but whether this specific program delivers the internships, language training, and connections that turn a generalist IR degree into actual career momentum remains unknown. If your child is committed to this field, investigate whether the program has strong ties to federal agencies, meaningful study abroad options, or alumni working in target roles—those details matter more here than the estimated numbers alone can tell you.