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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 $36,222. 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.

7
Schools in IL
$33,585
IL Avg. Earnings
$36,222
National Avg.
135
Schools Nationally

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

#1
N

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$46,087
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,450
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 7.1%
#2
W

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$45,696
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,417
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 90.0%
#3
U

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$36,674
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,576
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 4.8%
#4
R

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.3%
#5
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$28,236
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,920
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 73.5%
#6
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$24,267
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,076
Graduates: 76
Acceptance: 81.4%
#7
K

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 $36,222 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

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois →

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.