International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Missouri-St Louis

International Relations graduates from comparable programs nationally earn around $37,200 in their first year—a figure that reflects the competitive, often unpaid internship-heavy path many students in this field navigate before reaching stable employment. With an estimated $22,100 in debt, UMSL's program aligns with the national debt median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that's manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees. The challenge isn't the debt load itself, but rather whether that first-year salary provides enough financial breathing room while your child builds toward more lucrative policy, government, or international organization roles that typically require years of experience or advanced credentials.

What makes this calculation trickier is that we're working entirely from estimates—neither earnings nor debt figures are reported for UMSL's specific graduates in this major. Similar programs across the country show wide variation: top-performing programs nationally see first-year earnings above $45,400, suggesting geography, alumni networks, and proximity to government employers matter significantly. UMSL's location in St. Louis, while offering some federal and corporate presence, doesn't provide the same density of international affairs employers as Washington D.C., New York, or major diplomatic hubs.

The practical takeaway: this program could work if your child plans strategically—securing strong internships, potentially targeting graduate school, or being willing to relocate to cities where international relations careers cluster. Without that intentionality, the modest starting salary could feel limiting when loan payments begin.