International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

International Relations programs at public universities nationwide typically produce first-year earnings around $37,000—modest compensation for what's often seen as a pathway to government, diplomacy, or global business careers. Based on similar programs across the country, Nebraska-Lincoln graduates likely fall in this range, with an estimated debt burden of $22,100 that's actually manageable by comparison to many fields. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within a few years, assuming steady employment.

The challenge isn't the debt load—it's the career trajectory. International relations graduates often need graduate degrees, Washington internships, or specialized language skills to reach higher-paying positions. That $37,000 starting point may stretch tight in expensive metros where many of these jobs cluster, though it's workable in the Midwest. Without visibility into where Nebraska-Lincoln's specific graduates land, you're betting on the field's general outcomes rather than this program's particular strengths or connections.

For a student genuinely committed to foreign service, policy work, or international business, the numbers aren't prohibitive. But if they're exploring this major casually or hoping for immediate financial returns, peer programs suggest they should plan for either geographic flexibility or additional credentials down the line.