Best International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 7 colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 177 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $33,585 on average within two years — 7% below the national average of $36,273. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $46,087 while Knox College graduates earn $20,140 — a $25,947 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$33,585

IL Avg. Earnings

$36,273

National Avg.

151

Schools Nationally

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

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$46,087

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,450

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 7.1%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$28,236

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,920

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 73.5%

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$45,696

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,417

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 90.0%

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$24,267

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,076

Graduates: 76

Acceptance: 81.4%

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$36,674

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,576

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 4.8%

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 94.3%

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Northwestern University ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $46,087 within two years of graduation. There are 7 schools offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state.

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

International Relations and National Security Studies graduates in Illinois earn an average of $33,585 within two years of graduation. This is 7% below the national average of $36,273 for this major.

What is the hardest International Relations and National Security Studies school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective International Relations and National Security Studies program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state is 60.3%.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

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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.