International Relations and National Security Studies at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

International Relations programs typically face a fundamental challenge: modest starting salaries relative to the debt required to earn the degree. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $37,000—slightly below what similar programs in Wisconsin typically produce ($40,000). The estimated debt load of $22,000 isn't alarming in isolation, but it represents about seven months of gross income, meaning loan payments will claim a meaningful chunk of early paychecks.

What compounds this picture is the field's trajectory. International relations careers often require graduate degrees for significant advancement, and entry-level positions in government, nonprofits, or think tanks rarely offer the salary growth seen in business or technical fields. Programs like Marquette's show first-year earnings in the low $40,000s—better, but still modest—while UW-Oshkosh graduates earn slightly less than these estimates suggest for River Falls.

The practical question is whether your student views this as preparation for further education or an endpoint. If they're planning on graduate school (which many in this field pursue), they'll be adding debt on top of this bachelor's degree while potentially deferring meaningful earnings. If they're entering the workforce directly, $37,000 with $22,000 in debt is manageable but leaves little cushion for surprises. This degree works best for students with clear career goals that justify the investment or minimal additional financial obligations.