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Best International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in California

California has 14 colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 851 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $39,729 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $36,222, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Stanford University graduates earn $58,221 while San Diego State University graduates earn $26,121 — a $32,100 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

14
Schools in CA
$39,729
CA Avg. Earnings
$36,222
National Avg.
135
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: International Relations and National Security Studies in California

Public Schools (7)
$35,040
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$42,494
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $7,454 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
S

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$58,221
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,442
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 3.9%
#2
M

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Monterey, CA ·

$55,964
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,313
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: N/A
#3
C

California State University Maritime Academy

Vallejo, CA · Public

$47,394
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,865
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 98.7%
#4
N

Northeastern University Oakland

Oakland, CA · Private

$44,021
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,014
Graduates: 74
Acceptance: 16.5%
#5
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$42,884
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $48,625
Graduates: 148
Acceptance: 10.0%
#6
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,835
Graduates: 87
Acceptance: 96.2%
#7
U

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,959
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 46.8%
#8
O

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$36,132
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,329
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 39.9%
#9
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$35,416
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,738
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: 50.8%
#10
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$34,467
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,132
Graduates: 189
Acceptance: 41.6%
#11
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,173
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 93.7%
#12
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 47.1%
#13
U

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$30,305
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,867
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 63.3%
#14
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$26,121
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,674
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 34.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for International Relations and National Security Studies in California?
Stanford University ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies in California with median graduate earnings of $58,221 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state.
How much do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn in California?
International Relations and National Security Studies graduates in California earn an average of $39,729 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $36,222 for this major.
What is the hardest International Relations and National Security Studies school to get into in California?
Stanford University is the most selective International Relations and National Security Studies program in California with an acceptance rate of 3.9%. The average acceptance rate across International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state is 49.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for International Relations and National Security Studies in California?
In California, private International Relations and National Security Studies programs produce average earnings of $42,494 vs $35,040 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

International Relations and National Security Studies in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.