International Relations and National Security Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Based on comparable International Relations programs in Massachusetts, WPI graduates appear positioned near the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $45,870—substantially higher than the $37,198 national median for this field. That $21,125 in estimated debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. For context, similar programs at Boston University report identical earnings, while Tufts graduates earn about $8,000 more.

The caveat here is significant: these figures come from peer programs across Massachusetts, not WPI's actual outcomes. At a tech-focused institution where only 10% of students receive Pell grants, the International Relations program likely serves a small cohort, which is why the Department of Education suppresses the actual data. This makes it harder to know whether WPI's distinctive engineering culture translates into better outcomes for its IR graduates, or whether the program simply tracks with state averages.

What matters most is whether a technical institute environment enhances or limits opportunities in this field. If WPI integrates security studies with its technology strengths—think cybersecurity policy or defense technology—the debt load looks reasonable. If it's a traditional IR program isolated from the school's core competencies, you're paying for a WPI credential without the differentiation that typically justifies it.