International Relations and National Security Studies at Washington College

A debt load around $21,500 for a bachelor's degree looks manageable on paper, but the earnings picture based on comparable Maryland programs—roughly $39,200 in the first year—tells only part of the story. International relations degrees often lead to career paths that start modestly but can accelerate significantly with the right connections, graduate credentials, or security clearances. Washington College's smaller size and 66% admission rate suggest it lacks the State Department pipeline or think tank recruiting networks that schools like Johns Hopkins leverage to help graduates land $44,000+ starting positions.

The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio falls in a reasonable range, meaning annual debt payments would consume about 5-6% of gross income on a standard repayment plan. However, many international relations graduates pursue unpaid internships, low-paying nonprofit work, or competitive government positions that require additional credentials. Similar programs across Maryland show a wide spread—from Goucher's concerning $25,868 to Hopkins's stronger $44,004—suggesting that institutional prestige and location matter enormously in this field.

For families considering this investment, the critical question is whether your child has a clear path beyond the bachelor's degree. If they're planning graduate school anyway, starting with less debt here beats borrowing heavily at a bigger name. If they expect the degree alone to launch a career, understand that peer programs suggest modest initial earnings, and Washington College's regional profile may limit access to the competitive positions that justify this major.