Best colleges for International and Comparative Education
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 21 U.S. colleges offering International and Comparative Education by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 16 states.
International and Comparative Education programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $40,723 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 13.07.
About International and Comparative Education programs
The International and Comparative Education program focuses on understanding educational systems, policies, and practices across different countries and cultures. It is designed for students interested in exploring global education issues, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and contributing to educational development worldwide. This program is ideal for those who aspire to work in international organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions.
Students in this program will engage with core concepts of comparative education, research methodologies, and the analysis of educational policies. Coursework often includes studies on global education trends, cultural influences on education, and the role of education in social change.
Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 | Duke University Durham, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,723 | 21 | 97% | $16,260 | $8,000 |
Specializations within International and Comparative Education
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 13.07 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 16 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | $40,723 | Duke University |
| District of Columbialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| New York | 3 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
Common questions
What is the focus of the International and Comparative Education program?+
The program focuses on educational systems, policies, and practices across different countries and cultures.
What kind of coursework can I expect?+
Expect to study comparative education concepts, research methodologies, and global education trends.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work in education research, policy analysis, and program development in international organizations.
Is there a professional organization related to this field?+
Yes, the Comparative and International Education Society represents education researchers and hosts an annual conference.
How much do International and Comparative Education graduates earn?+
International and Comparative Education graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $40,723, College Scorecard (2019).
What is the CIP code for International and Comparative Education?+
International and Comparative Education maps to CIP 13.07 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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