International Relations and National Security Studies at William & Mary

William & Mary's International Relations graduates earn $47,270 in their first year—27% above the national median for this major and competitive with Virginia's top programs. More importantly, those earnings jump 42% to nearly $67,000 by year four, the kind of trajectory that suggests doors are opening rather than closing. The school's prestige (33% admission rate, 1458 average SAT) appears to translate into tangible career momentum in a field where institutional networks often matter as much as the degree itself.

The $21,000 median debt sits right at the national average for this major, creating a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be paid down relatively quickly given the earnings trajectory. Within Virginia, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—trailing only UVA among major public universities. That placement makes sense: you're paying for access to William & Mary's alumni network and academic reputation, which appears most valuable in the years after graduation when career advancement accelerates.

The moderate sample size means these numbers could shift somewhat year to year, but the pattern is clear: this program positions graduates for strong mid-career outcomes in fields like foreign service, defense contracting, and policy analysis where pedigree matters. If your child is serious about international affairs and can handle the academic rigor, the investment pays off through career mobility rather than immediate starting salary.