International Relations and National Security Studies at Washington State University

A $37,000 starting salary for International Relations graduates suggests this program tracks with typical national outcomes—though peer programs in Washington show considerably lower earnings at around $28,000. With estimated debt at $22,000, the financial picture appears manageable at first glance, with graduates owing roughly seven months of pre-tax income. That's a better ratio than many humanities and social science fields produce.

The challenge lies in what these estimates obscure: the small graduate cohort means the Department of Education couldn't publish actual outcomes for WSU's specific program. This lack of data reflects limited enrollments, which could signal anything from a selective, specialized program to one with uncertain career pathways. National benchmarks show this field varies enormously—top programs place graduates earning $45,000 or more, while Washington's state median sits $9,000 below the national figure. Without knowing where WSU's program actually falls in this range, you're making assumptions about career services, internship networks, and hiring patterns that significantly impact post-graduation success.

The accessible admission rate and reasonable estimated debt make this less risky than expensive private alternatives, but International Relations at a public university in rural Washington presents real questions about access to the D.C.-area internships and security clearance opportunities that typically drive success in this field. If your child is deeply committed to this career path, ensure they have concrete plans for building relevant experience beyond coursework.