International Relations and National Security Studies at Wartburg College

Based on comparable International Relations programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $37,200 against estimated debt of $21,500 produces a workable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58—better than the often-cited "less than 1.0" guideline. However, the suppressed data here reveals an uncomfortable truth: Wartburg graduates too few students in this major for the Department of Education to track their outcomes reliably.

The estimated figures themselves aren't alarming. Similar programs nationally suggest earnings barely keeping pace with debt payments, though manageable with careful budgeting. Iowa's own data shows nearly identical outcomes, with the University of Iowa reporting $36,376 for graduates in this field. The estimated $21,500 in debt sits below the state's typical $26,030 for these programs. For a student genuinely committed to international relations work—which often requires graduate school or starts with lower-paying nonprofit or government positions—these numbers represent a reasonable foundation.

The real concern is the program's scale. With a 99% admission rate and suppressed graduate counts, you're looking at a small cohort that may limit networking opportunities and employer recognition. Before committing, ask Wartburg directly about recent graduate placements, how many students actually complete this major annually, and whether their career services have established relationships with relevant employers or graduate programs. The financial projections suggest viability, but the program's visibility in the job market remains an open question.