Best colleges for International Relations and National Security Studies
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for International Relations and National Security Studies by graduate earnings are Stanford University ($76,166), Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($68,344) and Middlebury College ($68,344), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Stanford University (Stanford, CA): $76,166, 107 graduates a year
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (Monterey, CA): $68,344, 53 graduates a year
- Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT): $68,344, 51 graduates a year
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): $65,559, 36 graduates a year
- Lafayette College (Easton, PA): $58,433, 21 graduates a year
Compare 359 U.S. colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 50 states.
International Relations and National Security Studies programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,250 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 45.09 and the Political Scientists occupation (BLS SOC).
About International Relations and National Security Studies programs
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 security issues and the policies that govern them, making it ideal for those pursuing careers in diplomacy, defense, or international organizations.
Learn more about International Relations and National Security Studies →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics in law and government, history, and international relations, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to analyze and address contemporary security challenges.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, 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 | Stanford University Stanford, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $76,166 | 107 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 2 | Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey Monterey, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $68,344 | 53 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Middlebury College Middlebury, VT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $68,344 | 51 | 91% | $20,918 | — |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $65,559 | 36 | 97% | $22,055 | $10,470 |
| 5 | Lafayette College Easton, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $58,433 | 21 | 88% | $20,396 | $16,620 |
| 6 | Tufts University Medford, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $54,079 | 278 | 94% | $23,570 | $16,375 |
| 7 | Angelo State University San Angelo, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,246 | 104 | 44% | — | $11,066 |
| 8 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,933 | 720 | 84% | $29,789 | $22,000 |
| 9 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,262 | 135 | 92% | $26,873 | $13,765 |
| 10 | University of San Diego San Diego, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,948 | 44 | 84% | $26,035 | $24,100 |
| 11 | Georgetown University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,588 | 597 | 95% | $22,242 | $17,500 |
| 12 | Brigham Young University Provo, UT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,563 | 26 | 81% | $13,712 | — |
| 13 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,956 | 47 | 86% | $33,106 | $20,500 |
| 14 | American University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,551 | 686 | 75% | $30,225 | $23,250 |
| 15 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,270 | 87 | 89% | — | $21,000 |
| 16 | University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,870 | 131 | 96% | — | $20,672 |
| 17 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,868 | 61 | 68% | $38,461 | $22,901 |
| 18 | Fordham University Bronx, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,653 | 110 | 82% | $38,931 | $25,843 |
| 19 | Brown University Providence, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,284 | 110 | 96% | $14,644 | $12,000 |
| 20 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,870 | 243 | 89% | $21,956 | $25,000 |
| 21 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,858 | 97 | 86% | — | $25,000 |
| 22 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,440 | 79 | 69% | $27,376 | $22,500 |
| 23 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,667 | 41 | 80% | — | $18,460 |
| 24 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,644 | 252 | 68% | — | $23,000 |
| 25 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,638 | 101 | 86% | — | $21,500 |
Top certificate or associate program
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University Durham, NC Private not-for-profit · Graduate degree | $71,278 | 57 | 97% | $16,260 | — |
Specializations within International Relations and National Security Studies
3 of the 3 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 45.09 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 50 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3094, Political Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the International Relations and National Security Studies program can pursue a variety of careers in political science, government, and security analysis. While the job outlook indicates a decline of 3.1%, there are approximately 500 annual openings, with a median wage of $139,380. A master's degree is typically required for advancement in this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for International Relations and National Security Studies
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 45.09.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 45.09 (International Relations and National Security Studies) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 19-3094 | Political Scientistsprimary |
| 25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in International Relations and National Security Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
Common questions
What is the focus of the International Relations and National Security Studies program?+
The program focuses on organized violence, military conflict, and national security within the broader field of international relations.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will enhance skills in critical thinking, active listening, writing, and effective communication.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
While job growth is projected to decline by 3.1%, there are about 500 annual openings with a median wage of $139,380.
What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+
A master's degree is typically required for advancement in international relations and national security careers.
How much do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn?+
International Relations and National Security Studies graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,250, College Scorecard (2019); the Political Scientists occupation pays about $142,510 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for International Relations and National Security Studies?+
International Relations and National Security Studies maps to CIP 45.09 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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