International Relations and National Security Studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Peer programs in international relations typically produce first-year earnings around $37,000, which creates a manageable debt burden at an estimated $21,500 borrowed. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, graduates from similar programs can realistically pay off their loans within a few years—though the road won't be easy at that income level.

What's worth noting is that comparable programs in West Virginia actually show higher median earnings at $42,000, and American Public University System graduates earn considerably more at $48,000. This suggests the field has decent prospects in the state, though outcomes clearly vary by institution. West Virginia Wesleyan's open admission policy and relatively low average SAT scores may mean students here face steeper odds of reaching those higher earning levels, but the estimated debt load remains reasonable enough to absorb some variation.

The practical reality is that $37,000 goes further in West Virginia than in many states, and the debt burden won't dominate your child's financial life if they stay on track. The real question is whether they're prepared for the academic rigor and whether they have a clear sense of what careers this degree actually opens up—national security and international relations often require graduate degrees or security clearances for better-paying positions. If your child is genuinely committed to this field and understands the career path, the financial foundation appears workable based on what similar programs deliver.