International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Pennsylvania

Penn's International Relations and National Security Studies program posts impressive numbers—$65,559 starting salary and under $11,000 in debt—but the small sample size means these figures could swing significantly year to year. What we can say with more confidence: this program dramatically outperforms both the national median ($37,198) and Pennsylvania's median ($49,032) for this field. Only Bucknell produces higher earners among Pennsylvania schools, and Penn graduates carry roughly half the debt load typical for this degree.

The 24% earnings jump to $81,134 by year four suggests graduates are landing roles with clear advancement trajectories, likely in policy, consulting, or international organizations where a Penn credential opens doors. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 means graduates face minimal financial strain—most could pay off their loans within months if they chose to prioritize that.

The caveat matters here: with fewer than 30 graduates measured, one or two unusually successful alumni could skew these results upward. That said, Penn's elite network and the inherent selectivity (6% admission rate, near-perfect SAT scores) make it reasonable to expect strong outcomes even if future cohorts earn somewhat less. For families who can afford Penn or qualify for its generous financial aid—and whose student can gain admission—this represents one of the strongest pathways into international affairs work, combining manageable debt with earnings that dwarf typical outcomes in this field.