International Relations and National Security Studies at University of South Florida

USF's International Relations program starts graduates at notably low salaries—$31,000 puts them in the bottom quarter nationally—but the 42% earnings jump to nearly $44,000 by year four suggests the degree opens doors that take time to unlock. Among Florida's 14 programs in this field, USF lands squarely in the middle, trailing only Embry-Riddle and FIU by graduation but catching Florida State by year four. The $18,250 debt load matches the state median and sits well below the national average, making the initial salary squeeze more manageable than it might otherwise be.

The real question is whether your student can weather those first few years. At $31,000, recent graduates are likely piecing together entry-level nonprofit work, government internships, or private sector roles that don't yet value their credentials. The strong earnings growth suggests many eventually find their footing—perhaps moving into federal positions, policy roles, or corporate intelligence work—but that transition period requires financial resilience or parental support.

For families who can bridge that gap, this program offers a reasonable path into a competitive field without crushing debt. The moderate debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates aren't trapped, and USF's solid reputation in Florida provides networking advantages that may not show up in year-one numbers. Just be clear-eyed: this isn't a quick return on investment, and students need patience and persistence to reach that $44,000 mid-career mark.