International Relations and National Security Studies at Whitworth University

Whitworth's International Relations program shows estimated outcomes that surpass what similar programs deliver in Washington state. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,200—close to what graduates here might expect—that figure sits well above the $28,176 median for comparable Washington programs. The estimated $21,500 debt load aligns with typical national borrowing for this credential.

The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though context matters here. An International Relations bachelor's often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school, government work, or nonprofit careers where early compensation rarely tells the full story. If your child plans immediate entry to the job market, that $37,000 starting point translates to roughly $2,000 monthly after taxes—tight margins for loan payments, even modest ones.

The real question is trajectory. Programs in this field prepare students for careers where advancement and earning potential depend heavily on additional credentials, security clearances, or years of service. If Whitworth's connections in Spokane's regional job market or its alumni network can accelerate that path, the investment makes more sense. Without those advantages, families should weigh whether comparable programs at lower cost might deliver similar outcomes for a field where the bachelor's degree is increasingly just the entry point.