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Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia Military Institute delivers strong value in International Relations and National Security Studies, with graduates earning $39,305 annually despite a net price of just $18,849. This return on investment reflects Virginia's unique position as home to the Pentagon, CIA headquarters, and major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton. The state's 20 programs range from Old Dominion's accessible $14,170 net cost to William & Mary's premium offering at $22,529, where graduates command the highest salaries at $45,383. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unmatched internship and career opportunities in federal agencies, think tanks, and security firms. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five of the top six schools offering in-state tuition below $21,000. The graduation rate spread tells an important story, from Old Dominion's 44% to UVA's impressive 95%, suggesting that higher-performing institutions justify their increased costs through superior outcomes and networking opportunities in the national security field.
23
Programs
$14,170 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$36,813
Avg. Program Earnings
65.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $30,771 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,287 $38,889 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $18,849 $39,305 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
4 $22,529 $45,383 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
5 $22,881 $43,674 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
6 $21,816 $37,671 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
7 $23,790 $38,878 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
8 $21,108 $31,314 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
9 $29,552 $40,467 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
10 $20,583 $21,781 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
11 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
12 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
13 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
14 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
15 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
16 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
17 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
18 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
19 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
20 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
21 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
22 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
23 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute such strong value for national security studies?

VMI combines military training with academic rigor, producing graduates who earn $39,305 annually with relatively low debt of $21,875. The institute's 82% graduation rate and 71% acceptance rate create a selective but achievable path into defense careers. VMI's military structure and Honor Code appeal directly to employers in national security sectors who value discipline and integrity.

How do Virginia's public universities compare to private schools for International Relations?

Public institutions offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $14,170 to $23,790 compared to private schools reaching $32,145 at Hampton University. William & Mary leads public earnings at $45,383, while UVA graduates earn $43,674 with a 95% graduation rate. Private schools generally show lower graduation rates and higher debt loads despite their higher sticker prices.

Does proximity to Washington D.C. affect graduate earnings in Virginia?

Northern Virginia schools like George Mason University benefit significantly from D.C. proximity, with graduates earning $38,889 annually. The region's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and international organizations creates premium salary opportunities. Students at schools closer to the capital often secure internships at State Department, Pentagon, or private firms like Booz Allen Hamilton during their studies.

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between Virginia schools?

Graduation rates span from Old Dominion's 44% to UVA's 95%, reflecting different student populations and academic standards. More selective schools like William & Mary (91% graduation, 34% acceptance) and UVA (95% graduation, 19% acceptance) maintain higher completion rates. Schools with broader access missions like Old Dominion (95% acceptance rate) serve different student needs but may struggle with retention.

Is the VTAG grant worth considering for private college students?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant helps offset private school costs, though specific amounts vary by institution and student need. With private schools like Hampton University costing $32,145 net and showing mixed outcomes, students should carefully evaluate whether grants make private education competitive with strong public options. Virginia's public universities generally offer superior value without requiring additional grant complexity.

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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.