International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

An International Relations degree from UW-Parkside carries an estimated $22,000 in debt—slightly above the national median for similar programs—while comparable bachelor's degrees nationally produce first-year earnings around $37,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable repayment if you secure typical employment in the field, but Wisconsin's median for this major runs closer to $40,000, indicating UW-Parkside may lag behind peer institutions within the state. Marquette graduates in this field start at $43,000, though at presumably higher debt levels.

The challenge with International Relations is that the credential itself doesn't map to a specific career track the way nursing or accounting does. These degrees often lead to positions in government, nonprofits, or require graduate school for advancement—paths that may not immediately justify even moderate debt. Given UW-Parkside's accessibility (73% admission rate, strong Pell representation), students here likely face tighter financial margins than those at more selective institutions, making that $22,000 debt more consequential.

If your child is certain about federal employment or already has connections in national security sectors, the debt load is reasonable. But without a clear post-graduation plan that leverages this specific major, you're essentially financing a general liberal arts degree at a price point that demands purposeful career navigation from day one.