International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Redlands

California's international relations programs span an enormous range, from Stanford's $76,000 first-year salaries to outcomes well below $40,000. The University of Redlands appears to fall in the lower tier, with comparable programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $36,700—barely above the national median for this major but far below the state's top-performing programs.

The estimated $20,800 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about seven months of gross earnings. That's reasonable by any standard. However, the absolute earning power matters here: at roughly $3,000 monthly before taxes, graduates face the reality of California's cost of living with a degree that doesn't command premium starting salaries. Similar programs at schools like USC or University of San Diego produce 40-50% higher first-year earnings, suggesting that institutional reputation significantly affects outcomes in this field.

The career question looms larger than the financing one. International relations and national security studies typically lead to government, nonprofit, or entry-level policy work—sectors not known for strong starting salaries. If your child is drawn to this field for passion rather than earnings potential, the debt load won't be crushing. But if they're hoping a prestigious-sounding degree will open high-paying doors immediately after graduation, peer programs suggest they should expect entry-level compensation and plan accordingly, possibly including graduate school down the line.