Best colleges for International Relations and National Security Studies in District of Columbia
Ranked by graduate earnings
George Washington University, Georgetown University and American University are the top bachelor's International Relations and National Security Studies programs in District of Columbia by graduate earnings. George Washington University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,933, College Scorecard. George Washington University, American University and Georgetown University award the most International Relations and National Security Studies degrees in District of Columbia: 720, 686 and 597 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 5 District of Columbia colleges offer International Relations and National Security Studies and award 2,038 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The International Relations and National Security Studies program focuses on the complex interactions between nations, organized violence, and military conflict. This program is designed for students interested in understanding global…
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington University Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,933 | 720 | 84% | $29,789 | $22,000 |
| 2 | Georgetown University Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,588 | 597 | 95% | $22,242 | $17,500 |
| 3 | American University Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,551 | 686 | 75% | $30,225 | $23,250 |
Colleges awarding the most International Relations and National Security Studies degrees in District of Columbia
Top 4 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington University Washington Private not-for-profit | 720 | $52,933 |
| 2 | American University Washington Private not-for-profit | 686 | $47,551 |
| 3 | Georgetown University Washington Private not-for-profit | 597 | $50,588 |
| 4 | Trinity Washington University Washington Private not-for-profit | 5 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 1 District of Columbia colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute of World Politics (Graduate only) | Washington | Private not-for-profit | 30 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094).
Top skills
What Political Scientists earn in District of Columbia
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing International Relations and National Security Studies programs in District of Columbia.
Which District of Columbia colleges award the most International Relations and National Security Studies degrees?+
George Washington University (720 graduates a year), American University (686 graduates a year) and Georgetown University (597 graduates a year) award the most International Relations and National Security Studies degrees in District of Columbia, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 5 District of Columbia colleges offer International Relations and National Security Studies.
What is the best college for International Relations and National Security Studies in District of Columbia?+
By graduate earnings, George Washington University leads among bachelor's International Relations and National Security Studies programs in District of Columbia, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,933, College Scorecard. Georgetown University and American University follow. By degrees awarded, George Washington University is the largest, with 720 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which International Relations and National Security Studies program in District of Columbia has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, George Washington University tops the list at $52,933. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Political Scientists earn in District of Columbia?+
The average annual wage for Political Scientists in District of Columbia is $154,300 (median $152,530), across about 3,070 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the International Relations and National Security Studies program?+
The International Relations and National Security Studies program focuses on the complex interactions between nations, organized violence, and military conflict. This program is designed for students interested in understanding global…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, active learning, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Political Scientists?+
The national job outlook is about -3.1% growth with around 500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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