Best International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 14 colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 555 recent graduates. Graduates in Pennsylvania earn $40,595 on average within two years — 12% above the national average of $36,273, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Bucknell University graduates earn $55,964 while University of Scranton graduates earn $20,140 — a $35,824 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in PA

$40,595

PA Avg. Earnings

$36,273

National Avg.

151

Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (4)

$39,909

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$40,900

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $991 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 Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$55,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,905

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 32.0%

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$55,547

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 5.9%

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$42,123

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 29.3%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Center Valley, PA · Public

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,513

Graduates: 116

Acceptance: 94.2%

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,513

Graduates: 116

Acceptance: 54.2%

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA · Public

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,513

Graduates: 116

Acceptance: 80.3%

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,609

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 78.8%

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private

$48,823

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 43.1%

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private

$48,198

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $47,229

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 31.5%

#10

Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA · Private

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Reading, PA · Public

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,513

Graduates: 116

Acceptance: 97.1%

#12

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$37,208

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,773

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 86.4%

#13

Allegheny College

Meadville, PA · Private

University of Scranton

Scranton, PA · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 84.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bucknell University ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $55,964 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 Pennsylvania?

International Relations and National Security Studies graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $40,595 within two years of graduation. This is 12% 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 Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania is the most selective International Relations and National Security Studies program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. The average acceptance rate across International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state is 61.0%.

Should I attend a public or private school for International Relations and National Security Studies in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, private International Relations and National Security Studies programs produce average earnings of $40,900 vs $39,909 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

Computer Science $73,789 Chemical Engineering $71,780 Business/Managerial Economics $71,719 Computer Engineering $71,107 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $67,419 Architectural Engineering $66,081 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,679 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,105

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

International Relations and National Security Studies in Other States

California New York Virginia Florida Massachusetts Illinois Ohio Texas Georgia Michigan Maryland Wisconsin View All →

Get International Relations and National Security Studies Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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.