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2025 Best International Relations & National Security Schools

163 Colleges in the United States
13,958 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$47,717 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in international relations & national security, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #67 in the country in terms of popularity. As a result, there are many college that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 163 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for international relations & national security students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 13,958 degrees in international relations & national security annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great International Relations & National Security School

Best International Relations & National Security Schools Your choice of international relations & national security school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall International Relations & National Security School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your International Relations & National Security Degree Level

Associate Degrees in International Relations
Bachelor's Degrees in International Relations
Master's Degrees in International Relations
Doctor's Degrees in International Relations

The international relations school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best International Relations & National Security Schools. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for International Relations & National Security in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the international relations degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in International Relations

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
760 International Relations Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

It's difficult to beat Johns Hopkins University if you want to pursue a degree in international relations & national security. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were about 760 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the international relations & national security degree program at Johns Hopkins University get $24,756 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Johns Hopkins University

2
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MA
171 International Relations Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat Harvard University if you wish to pursue a degree in international relations & national security. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 171 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Harvard University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
212 International Relations Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in international relations & national security needs to take a look at University of Virginia - Main Campus. University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Charlottesville. This university ranks 1st out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 212 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, international relations degree recipients usually make an average of $46,870 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from University of Virginia - Main Campus

4
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
562 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$74,303 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in international relations & national security needs to check out Georgetown University. Georgetown is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were approximately 562 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent year we have data available. Those international relations & national security students who get their degree from Georgetown University earn $26,586 more than the average international relations student.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Georgetown University

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
852 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$61,456 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 7 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were roughly 852 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the international relations & national security major at George Washington University get $13,739 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from George Washington University

6
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$71,278 Median Starting Salary

Duke is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 29 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. International Relations & National Security degree recipients from Duke University earn a boost of around $23,561 over the typical income of international relations & national security majors.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Duke University

7
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
89 International Relations Degrees Awarded
25.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 89 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available. International Relations & National Security degree recipients from Stanford University receive an earnings boost of about $28,449 above the average earnings of international relations & national security majors.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Stanford University

8
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
749 International Relations Degrees Awarded
6.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 7 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were about 749 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year. Those international relations & national security students who get their degree from American University make $9,768 more than the standard international relations student.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from American University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 International Relations Degrees Awarded
0.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 191 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Those international relations & national security students who get their degree from University of Southern California make $4,545 more than the typical international relations graduate.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from University of Southern California

10
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 International Relations Degrees Awarded
61.0% Growth in Graduates

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were approximately 100 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year. After graduation, international relations degree recipients typically earn around $46,284 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Brown University

11
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In CT
97 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. This university ranks 1st out of 18 colleges for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were about 97 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Yale University

12
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
383 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$67,388 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 383 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent year we have data available. Those international relations & national security students who get their degree from Tufts University earn $19,671 more than the average international relations graduate.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Tufts University

13
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
49 International Relations Degrees Awarded
10.2% Growth in Graduates

UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 49 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the international relations & national security degree program at University of Pennsylvania get $17,842 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from University of Pennsylvania

14
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
279 International Relations Degrees Awarded
0.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 279 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the international relations program state that they receive average early career earnings of $46,406.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Boston University

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
163 International Relations Degrees Awarded
0.6% Growth in Graduates

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 163 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available. Those international relations & national security students who get their degree from University of Chicago earn $18,465 more than the typical international relations graduate.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from University of Chicago

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
34 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$58,326 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 34 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. International Relations & National Security degree recipients from Northwestern University earn a boost of approximately $10,609 over the typical earnings of international relations & national security graduates.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Northwestern University

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$80,448 Median Starting Salary

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 154 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. International Relations & National Security degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York get an earnings boost of around $32,731 over the average income of international relations & national security majors.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Columbia University in the City of New York

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In PA
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Carnegie Mellon is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 30 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Carnegie Mellon University

19
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
132 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$44,638 Median Starting Salary

Virginia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Blacksburg. This school ranks 2nd out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 132 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients typically make around $44,638 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Virginia Tech

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$46,771 Median Starting Salary

Fordham U is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Bronx. This university ranks 7th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 119 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the international relations program state that they receive average early career income of $46,771.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Fordham University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
14th Most Popular In CA
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Claremont McKenna is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Claremont. This college ranks 6th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 30 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Claremont McKenna in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Claremont McKenna College

22
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
49 International Relations Degrees Awarded
22.4% Growth in Graduates

Middlebury is a small private not-for-profit college located in the town of Middlebury. This college ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Vermont.

There were about 49 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Middlebury in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the international relations & national security major at Middlebury College earn $21,314 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Middlebury College

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
246 International Relations Degrees Awarded
$39,275 Median Starting Salary

UGA is a very large public university located in the city of Athens. This university ranks 3rd out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 246 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients typically make an average of $39,275 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from University of Georgia

24
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In NY
47 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the rural area of Hamilton, Colgate is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 11th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 47 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at Colgate in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from Colgate University

25
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
193 International Relations Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 193 international relations & national security students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the international relations & national security program at New York University get $12,097 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in international relations & national security from New York University

Rest of the Top Best International Relations & National Security Schools

26
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
27
28
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
29
30
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
31
32
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best International Relations & National Security Schools award.

Rank College Location
33 University of Denver Denver, CO
34 University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CA
35 Lafayette College Easton, PA
36 Northeastern University Boston, MA
37 Hamilton College Clinton, NY
38 Emory University Atlanta, GA
39 Wellesley College Wellesley, MA
40 Carleton College Northfield, MN
41 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
42 Rice University Houston, TX
43 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
44 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
45 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
46 Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX
47 Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA
48 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
49 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
50 University of Delaware Newark, DE
51 Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA
52 Florida International University Miami, FL
53 Connecticut College New London, CT
54 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX

International Relations & National Security by Region

View the Best International Relations & National Security Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

International Relations & National Security is one of 13 different types of Social Sciences programs to choose from.

International Relations Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
International Relations 12,541
International Security 775
Other International Relations & National Security Studies 642

View All International Relations Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Economics 47,809
Political Science & Government 47,686
Sociology 35,816
General Social Sciences 17,338
Anthropology 11,105
Geography & Cartography 8,281
Other Social Sciences 2,116
Urban Studies 1,453
Sociology & Anthropology 520
Archeology 333

View All International Relations Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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