Best International Relations and National Security Studies Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 10 colleges offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 682 recent graduates. Graduates earn $36,813 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $36,222.

School choice matters significantly: William & Mary graduates earn $45,383 while Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn $21,781 — a $23,602 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

10
Schools in VA
$36,813
VA Avg. Earnings
$36,222
National Avg.
135
Schools Nationally

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

Public Schools (8)
$38,236
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$31,124
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia produce comparable or higher early earnings for International Relations and National Security Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

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

#1
W

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$45,383
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,636
Graduates: 57
Acceptance: 32.7%
#2
U

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$43,674
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,350
Graduates: 131
Acceptance: 16.9%
#3
L

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$40,467
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,248
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 99.3%
#4
V

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public

$39,305
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,302
Graduates: 73
Acceptance: 81.7%
#5
G

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$38,889
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,409
Graduates: 164
Acceptance: 88.8%
#6
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$38,878
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,039
Graduates: 69
Acceptance: 57.0%
#7
J

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$37,671
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,400
Graduates: 92
Acceptance: 76.3%
#8
U

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$31,314
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,996
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 86.3%
#9
O

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,535
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 90.5%
#10
V

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$21,781
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for International Relations and National Security Studies in Virginia?
William & Mary ranks #1 for International Relations and National Security Studies in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $45,383 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state.
How much do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn in Virginia?
International Relations and National Security Studies graduates in Virginia earn an average of $36,813 within two years of graduation. This is 2% 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 Virginia?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective International Relations and National Security Studies program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across International Relations and National Security Studies programs in the state is 70.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for International Relations and National Security Studies in Virginia?
In Virginia, private International Relations and National Security Studies programs produce average earnings of $31,124 vs $38,236 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 2 private options in the state.

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