International Relations and National Security Studies at Wheeling University

A bachelor's in International Relations from Wheeling University comes with an estimated $21,500 in debt—right around the national median for this field—but peer programs typically produce first-year earnings near $37,200. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable on paper, though it's worth noting that other International Relations programs in West Virginia report a higher median of $42,000, with American Public University System graduates earning over $48,000 in their first year. The $5,000 earnings gap between Wheeling's peer-program estimates and the state median suggests this program may not be positioned as competitively within West Virginia's market.

The challenge with International Relations degrees generally is that entry-level positions in government, nonprofits, and international organizations often pay modestly despite requiring strong credentials. At estimated earnings of $37,200, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $240 on a standard ten-year plan—about 8% of gross income, which falls within manageable territory. However, career advancement in this field frequently requires graduate education or security clearances, adding both time and potential additional debt to the investment equation.

Given the data limitations here, families should request employment outcomes directly from Wheeling's career services office, particularly regarding where recent graduates actually land jobs and what they earn. The $10,000+ difference between comparable programs in the state matters significantly for someone starting a career in a traditionally lower-paying field.