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Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Stanford's international relations program defies typical value calculations, charging students a net price of $12,136 while delivering median earnings of $58,221 within six years of graduation. This stark contrast with CUNY City College, where students pay just $3,486 but earn $39,009, illustrates how elite private institutions can justify higher costs through superior career outcomes. The Washington D.C. metropolitan area employs roughly 40% of all federal government workers, creating unparalleled opportunities for international relations graduates seeking positions with the State Department, CIA, Pentagon, and foreign policy think tanks. Public universities dominate the affordable end of this spectrum, with 12 of the 15 schools charging under $15,000 annually. Georgia Tech stands out among public options, combining a net price of $13,289 with strong earning potential of $46,478, while Florida International University offers Miami's international business connections at just $9,133 per year.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $29,107
Net Price Range
$37,516
Avg. Program Earnings
70.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $39,009 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $9,104 $47,260 $8,400 53.2%
3 $12,136 $58,221 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
4 $8,155 $32,925 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
5 $7,168 $28,598 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
6 $8,931 $33,993 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
7 $9,133 $32,426 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
8 $13,289 $46,478 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
9 $11,408 $36,401 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
10 $10,785 $32,925 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
11 $12,882 $39,009 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
12 $10,043 $29,413 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
13 $10,997 $31,959 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
14 $18,161 $50,231 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
15 $14,487 $39,369 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
16 $17,555 $47,394 $7,672 66.8% 95.5%
17 $14,485 $37,748 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
18 $13,816 $34,704 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
19 $14,922 $35,060 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
20 $12,932 $29,685 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
21 $14,838 $33,993 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
22 $15,288 $34,467 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
23 $16,791 $37,856 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
24 $13,091 $29,141 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
25 $13,707 $30,305 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
26 $14,170 $30,771 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
27 $25,934 $55,964 $65,280 92.6% 12.7%
28 $20,751 $44,170 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
29 $18,287 $38,889 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
30 $16,041 $33,993 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
31 $18,609 $39,369 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
32 $18,849 $39,305 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
33 $13,584 $28,019 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
34 $14,714 $29,685 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
35 $22,529 $45,383 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
36 $14,761 $29,685 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
37 $18,292 $36,344 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
38 $16,065 $31,848 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
39 $16,931 $32,925 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
40 $12,621 $24,421 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
41 $18,967 $36,674 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
42 $15,402 $29,685 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
43 $17,139 $32,772 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
44 $22,881 $43,674 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
45 $23,261 $44,170 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
46 $26,572 $50,105 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
47 $27,818 $52,107 $64,700 96.3% 4.6%
48 $29,107 $53,775 $67,024 90.5% 12.4%
49 $20,918 $38,289 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
50 $13,782 $25,194 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $54,735 earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

Stanford graduates earn $58,221 compared to Northern Kentucky's $28,598, reflecting differences in alumni networks, geographic proximity to major employers, and institutional reputation. Stanford's Silicon Valley location provides access to international tech companies and venture capital firms involved in global markets. Geographic factors play a major role, as programs near Washington D.C., New York, or major international business hubs typically produce higher-earning graduates. The 92.8% graduation rate at Stanford versus 48.3% at Northern Kentucky also indicates stronger student support systems that translate into career success.

How do public universities compare to private options for value?

Public schools dominate the value proposition, with CUNY City College delivering the lowest net cost at $3,486 while producing graduates earning $39,009. University of West Florida offers strong value at $8,155 with earnings of $32,925, proving that affordable public education can lead to solid career outcomes. Private options like Stanford justify higher costs through strong earning potential, but most students will find better value at public institutions. Johns Hopkins represents the premium private option at $18,161, producing graduates who earn $50,231 with minimal debt of $12,000.

Where do international relations graduates find the highest-paying jobs?

Washington D.C. metropolitan area offers the highest concentration of relevant employers, including federal agencies, international organizations, and policy institutes that regularly hire program graduates. Stanford's $58,221 median earnings reflect access to California's international trade sector and tech companies with global operations. Johns Hopkins graduates benefit from proximity to both D.C. and Baltimore's international business community, earning $50,231 annually. Florida programs like FIU and USF provide access to Latin American business connections and international trade through Miami's port facilities.

Does graduation rate correlate with career earnings in this field?

Programs with graduation rates above 80% consistently produce higher-earning graduates, as demonstrated by Stanford (92.8% graduation, $58,221 earnings) and Georgia Tech (92.3% graduation, $46,478 earnings). Johns Hopkins maintains a 94.6% graduation rate while producing graduates earning $50,231, showing strong institutional support. Conversely, University of North Georgia's 36.8% graduation rate corresponds with more modest earnings of $32,925. The correlation suggests that schools investing in student retention also invest in career services and alumni networks that boost earning potential.

Is debt load manageable for international relations graduates?

Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with 10 of 15 schools reporting average debt under $17,000. Johns Hopkins produces the lowest debt burden at $12,000 despite higher costs, indicating generous financial aid for qualified students. Stanford and other elite programs often provide substantial need-based aid that keeps debt manageable relative to earning potential. Indiana University-Indianapolis shows the highest debt at $22,500, which requires careful consideration given the $36,401 median earnings for graduates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.