Best International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in California

California has 15 colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 800 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $39,399 on average within two years — 9% above the national average of $36,273, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in CA

$39,399

CA Avg. Earnings

$36,273

National Avg.

151

Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (8)

$35,040

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (6)

$42,188

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $7,148 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

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 11.1%

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Monterey, CA ·

$55,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,313

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: N/A

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private

$58,221

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,442

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 3.9%

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$42,884

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,625

Graduates: 148

Acceptance: 10.0%

California State University Maritime Academy

Vallejo, CA · Public

$47,394

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,865

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 98.7%

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$36,132

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,329

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 39.9%

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$34,467

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,132

Graduates: 189

Acceptance: 41.6%

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$39,009

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,835

Graduates: 87

Acceptance: 96.2%

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,959

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 46.8%

#10

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$26,121

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,674

Graduates: 71

Acceptance: 34.4%

#11

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$35,416

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,738

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 50.8%

#12

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,621

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 96.8%

#13

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public

$30,305

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,867

Graduates: 62

Acceptance: 63.3%

#14

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,173

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 93.7%

#15

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 47.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Claremont McKenna College ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies in California with median graduate earnings of N/A within two years of graduation. There are 15 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 $39,399 within two years of graduation. This is 9% above the national average of $36,273 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 52.5%.

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 $42,188 vs $35,040 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 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 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Computer Science $72,889 Computer Engineering $72,447 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $71,074 Computer and Information Sciences, General $68,388

All colleges in California →

International Relations and National Security Studies in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.