International Relations and National Security Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan's International Relations program appears positioned in the middle tier of Virginia's competitive landscape. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $44,600 would match what graduates from established public universities like James Madison and George Mason typically earn—a respectable outcome that puts this program slightly above the national median of $37,200 for the field.

The estimated debt load of $21,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For a liberal arts field where many students pursue graduate school or federal service careers with income-based repayment options, this represents a reasonable starting point. Similar programs nationally carry comparable debt burdens, suggesting Virginia Wesleyan isn't an outlier on the financing side.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual because this is a small program at a school with selective admission (71% acceptance rate, 1281 SAT average). International Relations outcomes can vary dramatically based on connections, internship access, and proximity to government employers—advantages that coastal Virginia offers but that aren't captured in statewide estimates. If your student has clear career goals in federal service or international organizations, the estimated numbers suggest affordability, but you'll want to verify what actual career outcomes look like for recent graduates from this specific program before committing.