International Relations and National Security Studies at University of San Diego

University of San Diego graduates in this program are out-earning 93% of their peers nationally—a remarkable performance for a field that typically struggles with early-career compensation. At $50,948 in year one, these graduates earn 37% more than the national median for international relations programs and significantly outpace California's state median of $36,669. While USD doesn't quite reach the stratospheric levels of Stanford or USC, it places respectably among California's top programs for this major, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide.

The debt picture reinforces the program's value. At $24,100, graduates carry slightly more debt than the state median but less than the national average, yielding a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning debt equals less than half of first-year earnings. The 11% earnings growth to nearly $57,000 by year four suggests graduates are building sustainable career trajectories, not just landing entry-level positions with limited upward mobility.

For parents concerned about the ROI of liberal arts degrees, USD's international relations program demonstrates that selective programs can deliver strong outcomes even in traditionally lower-paying fields. The combination of above-average starting salaries, manageable debt, and steady progression makes this a solid investment, particularly for students committed to careers in diplomacy, security, or international affairs.