International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Nebraska at Kearney

A $22,000 debt load sounds manageable at first glance, but peer programs in International Relations and National Security Studies typically produce first-year earnings around $37,000—creating a debt-to-income ratio that leans toward the conservative side but still requires careful planning. While similar bachelor's programs nationally show a median debt of about $22,000, the modest starting salary means graduates should expect several years of careful budgeting to manage loan payments comfortably. The field itself tends to reward graduate credentials more than undergraduate ones, which means many students eventually pursue additional education and accumulate more debt before their earnings truly accelerate.

UNK's 86% admission rate and mid-range student profile suggest this is an accessible option for Nebraska families, but comparable programs across the country show significant variation in outcomes—the top quarter of programs produce first-year earnings above $45,000, suggesting that program quality and career services matter substantially in this field. With 399 schools nationally offering this major, competition for entry-level positions can be fierce, and geographic flexibility often determines who lands the better-paying roles in government, nonprofits, or consulting.

The bottom line: if your student is committed to this field and plans to stay in the Midwest, budget for either a longer debt payoff period on modest early earnings or prepare for graduate school costs down the line. The estimated figures suggest a workable but not comfortable financial start.