Best Schools for International Relations and National Security Studies

International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn a median of $66,585 within four years of graduating, ranking #139 out of 283 tracked majors — 6% above the median across all fields. There are 149 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 6,995 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Johns Hopkins University graduates earn $99,205 while Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $41,730 — a $57,475 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is modest: International Relations and National Security Studies graduates see an average 4% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

149

Schools

$66,585

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#139

of 283 Majors

6,995

Graduates

Public vs Private: International Relations and National Security Studies

Public (74 schools)

$61,470

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (75 schools)

$71,803

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,333 more in early earnings on average for International Relations and National Security Studies graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

International Relations and National Security Studies by State

Also by state: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Top International Relations and National Security Studies Schools by Graduate Earnings

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private

$96,520

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 11.1%

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private

$94,347

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

2yr: $47,260 (18)

Acceptance: 45.0%

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$91,075

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

2yr: $58,221 (29)

1yr: $60,442 (26)

Acceptance: 3.9%

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$90,393

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

2yr: $55,964 (22)

1yr: $44,905 (20)

Acceptance: 32.0%

Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX · Public

$87,991

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 79.2%

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$87,439

4yr Earnings

28 grads · small sample

2yr: $55,547 (39)

Acceptance: 5.9%

#10

Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL · Private

$84,474

4yr Earnings

28 grads · small sample

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$79,569

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

2yr: $42,123 (16)

Acceptance: 29.3%

#16

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · Public

$79,264

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

2yr: $46,478 (18)

Acceptance: 16.5%

#17

Emory University

Atlanta, GA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Geneva, NY · Private

$77,977

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

1yr: $42,965 (17)

Acceptance: 57.3%

#20

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA · Private

Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

$77,199

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

2yr: $53,775 (23)

Acceptance: 11.9%

#23

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private

California State University Maritime Academy

Vallejo, CA · Public

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Prescott, AZ · Private

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL · Private

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$74,477

4yr Earnings

28 grads · small sample

American University

Washington, DC · Private

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

Connecticut College

New London, CT · Private

$71,960

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ · Private

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

$71,751

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

1yr: $31,701 (23)

Acceptance: 99.2%

#36

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · Private

$71,622

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Center Valley, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA · Public

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public

Rollins College

Winter Park, FL · Private

$70,502

4yr Earnings

25 grads · small sample

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$68,262

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $33,993 (27)

Acceptance: 67.3%

#47

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private

Norwich University

Northfield, VT · Private

Washington College

Chestertown, MD · Private

$67,983

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

2yr: $37,208 (18)

Acceptance: 65.5%

Showing top 50 of 149 schools. View all or filter by state above.

Majors with Similar Earnings

Hospitality Administration/Management $37,029 Security Science and Technology $36,960 Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies $36,694 Legal Professions and Studies, Other $36,382 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $36,361 Sustainability Studies $36,247

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for International Relations and National Security Studies?

Johns Hopkins University ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies with median graduate earnings of $99,205 within four years of graduating. There are 149 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn?

International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn an average of $66,585 within four years of graduating. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $41,730 to $99,205 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top International Relations and National Security Studies program?

The average acceptance rate across International Relations and National Security Studies programs is 61.5%. The most selective program is at Stanford University with a 3.9% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for International Relations and National Security Studies?

Private International Relations and National Security Studies programs average $71,803 in early earnings vs $61,470 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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