by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 21 U.S. colleges awarded 266 degrees and certificates in International & Comparative Education. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 83% of graduates. College Factual ranks 6 schools in its 2027 Best International & Comparative Education Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $58,060 one year after completing, rising to $72,029 after four years.
Studying International & Comparative Education covers International And Comparative Education. A Program That Focuses On The Educational Phenomena, Practices, And Institutions Within Different Societies And States In A Comparative Perspective, And The Study Of International Educational Issues. Includes Instruction In Comparative Research Methods, Country- Or Area-Specific Studies, Cross-National Studies Of Learning And Teaching Styles, International Educational Policy And Development, And Analyses Of Educational Migration Patterns And Experiences.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, international & comparative education is a widely-pursued major, with 266 degrees awarded annually. 21 colleges award international & comparative education degrees, an average of 13 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 75.
By level, the 266 awards include 33 bachelor’s degrees, 220 master’s degrees and 13 doctorates.
Women earned 76% of international & comparative education degrees and certificates in the latest year (201 of 266). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (88) and Hispanic or Latino (29), and international students earned 93.
College Factual ranks 6 schools in its 2027 Best International & Comparative Education Schools ranking, including 1 for bachelor’s degrees and 5 for master’s degrees. It also ranks international & comparative education schools within 3 states. In all, 21 colleges offer international & comparative education programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value International & Comparative Education Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
How long an international & comparative education degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 33 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 220 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 13 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
