International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Southern Indiana

A debt load of roughly $22,000 against starting earnings near $37,000 places this program squarely in the middle of what national peers typically produce—neither a standout nor a warning sign. International Relations programs across the country show remarkably consistent outcomes, with Indiana schools clustering tightly around $36,000-$37,000 in first-year earnings. That consistency suggests the field itself, rather than the specific institution, largely determines initial salary prospects.

The 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would dedicate about seven months of their first year's salary to pay off loans—manageable by most measures. However, International Relations careers often require graduate school for advancement, and these estimated figures represent only the bachelor's degree. Parents should recognize that $37,000 represents an entry point in a field where the real career opportunities frequently demand additional credentials and geographic flexibility, often toward higher-cost coastal metros where these positions concentrate.

The practical reality: if your child is genuinely drawn to diplomacy, security analysis, or international policy work, this program's estimated outcomes won't create an insurmountable debt burden at the starting line. But the narrow earning band across hundreds of programs nationally suggests that prestige, internship access, and networking matter enormously in this field. With USI's 95% acceptance rate and regional focus, the value proposition depends heavily on whether your child plans to pursue graduate education elsewhere or intends to leverage this degree locally in Indiana's more limited international affairs job market.