Best Colleges for International Relations and National Security Studies

International Relations and National Security Studies graduates enter a competitive field where strong analytical skills and global awareness are essential. With an average starting salary of $36,222, graduates typically pursue careers in government agencies, think tanks, international organizations, and private consulting firms.

When evaluating programs among the 135 schools offering this major, students should prioritize institutions with experienced faculty who have real-world policy experience, opportunities for internships in Washington D.C. or international locations, and access to research centers focused on security issues. Look for programs that emphasize quantitative analysis, foreign language requirements, and coursework in economics, history, and political science. Strong alumni networks in government and international affairs can provide valuable career connections and mentorship opportunities.

Schools Ranked

$49,339

Avg. Program Earnings

87.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Stanford University Stanford, California	$58,221	92.8%	private-nonprofit
2	Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey Monterey, California	$55,964		private-nonprofit
3	Bucknell University Lewisburg, Pennsylvania	$55,964	86.2%	private-nonprofit
4	Middlebury College Middlebury, Vermont	$55,964	92.6%	private-nonprofit
5	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$55,547	96.8%	private-nonprofit
6	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$53,775	90.5%	private-nonprofit
7	Yale University New Haven, Connecticut	$52,107	96.3%	private-nonprofit
8	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$50,231	94.6%	private-nonprofit
9	Brown University Providence, Rhode Island	$50,105	95.9%	private-nonprofit
10	Dickinson College Carlisle, Pennsylvania	$48,823	83.4%	private-nonprofit
11	Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia	$48,752	94.3%	private-nonprofit
12	Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania	$48,198	88.1%	private-nonprofit
13	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$48,139	93.3%	private-nonprofit
14	California State University Maritime Academy Vallejo, California	$47,394	66.8%	public
15	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$47,260	83.8%	private-nonprofit
16	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$47,260	53.2%	private-forprofit
17	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$46,478	92.3%	public
18	Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois	$46,087	95.9%	private-nonprofit
19	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$46,087	91.3%	private-nonprofit
20	George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$45,997	85.2%	private-nonprofit
21	Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois	$45,696	86.6%	private-nonprofit
22	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$45,696	85.0%	private-nonprofit
23	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$45,383	91.0%	public
24	Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan	$44,170	82.2%	public
25	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, New Hampshire	$44,170	76.4%	public