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2024 Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools

195 Colleges in the United States
9,158 Bachelor's Degrees
$35,987 Avg Early-Career Salary
a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #58 out of 363 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. As a result, there are many college that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 195 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 9,158 bachelor's degrees in international relations & national security during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

Choosing a Great International Relations & National Security School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools Your choice of international relations & national security for getting your bachelor's degree school matters. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. To make it into this list, a school must excel in the following areas.

A Great Overall School

The overall quality of a bachelor's degree school is important to ensure a good education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To account for this we consider a college's overall Best Colleges ranking which itself looks at a host of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Early-Career Earnings

One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. That is, everyone wants their bachelor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for international relations & national security students working on their bachelor's degree.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More International Relations Rankings Other Ranking Categories

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 Bachelor's Degree Schools.

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.

Best Schools for Bachelor’s Students to Study International Relations & National Security in the United States

Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for international relations & national security students seeking a a bachelor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools for a Bachelor's in International Relations

1
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT

It is difficult to beat Yale University if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven.

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from Yale University receive $33,058 more than the standard international relations student.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Yale University

2
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from Stanford University make $24,455 more than the average international relations graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Stanford University

3
171 Annual Graduates
$48,625 Median Starting Salary
$13,765 Median Student Debt

University of Southern California is a good option for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at University of Southern California get $12,638 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from University of Southern California

4
104 Annual Graduates
$57,526 Median Starting Salary
$12,000 Median Student Debt

Johns Hopkins University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security major at Johns Hopkins University get $21,539 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Johns Hopkins University

5
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
289 Annual Graduates
$44,920 Median Starting Salary
$17,500 Median Student Debt

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at Georgetown University make $8,933 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Georgetown University

6
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
44 Annual Graduates
$10,470 Median Student Debt

UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from University of Pennsylvania

7
203 Annual Graduates
$45,350 Median Starting Salary
$20,672 Median Student Debt

Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at University of Virginia - Main Campus earn $9,363 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

8
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
160 Annual Graduates
$46,957 Median Starting Salary
$16,375 Median Student Debt

Located in the large suburb of Medford, Tufts is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at Tufts University earn $10,970 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Tufts University

9
24 Annual Graduates

Claremont McKenna is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Claremont.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Claremont McKenna College

10
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
39 Annual Graduates
$37,882 Median Starting Salary
$12,000 Median Student Debt

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence.

Soon after graduating, international relations bachelor's recipients typically make an average of $37,882 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Brown University

11

UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security major at University of Chicago get $6,589 above the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from University of Chicago

12
563 Annual Graduates
$45,627 Median Starting Salary
$22,000 Median Student Debt

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at George Washington University earn $9,640 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from George Washington University

13
42 Annual Graduates
$46,450 Median Starting Salary
$19,234 Median Student Debt

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population.

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Northwestern University get an earnings boost of about $10,463 over the typical income of international relations & national security majors.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Northwestern University

14
20 Annual Graduates

Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Pittsburgh.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Carnegie Mellon University

15
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
27 Annual Graduates
$45,984 Median Starting Salary
$19,500 Median Student Debt

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security major at Emory University get $9,997 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Emory University

16
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
237 Annual Graduates
$38,920 Median Starting Salary
$25,000 Median Student Debt

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from Boston University make $2,933 more than the average international relations grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Boston University

17
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
415 Annual Graduates
$41,948 Median Starting Salary
$23,250 Median Student Debt

Located in the large city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population.

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from American University earn $5,961 more than the typical international relations grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from American University

18
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
49 Annual Graduates

NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from New York University

19
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT

Middlebury is a small private not-for-profit college located in the town of Middlebury.

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Middlebury College receive an earnings boost of around $7,326 over the average income of international relations & national security graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Middlebury College

20
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
156 Annual Graduates
$39,039 Median Starting Salary
$21,500 Median Student Debt

Virginia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Blacksburg.

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech make $3,052 more than the typical international relations grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Virginia Tech

21
Carleton crest
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
38 Annual Graduates

Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Carleton College

22
264 Annual Graduates
$34,590 Median Starting Salary
$19,500 Median Student Debt

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Athens.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the international relations program make about $34,590 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from University of Georgia

23
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
37 Annual Graduates

Located in the distant town of Hamilton, Colgate is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Colgate University

24
180 Annual Graduates
$39,409 Median Starting Salary
$23,000 Median Student Debt

Located in the suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security major at George Mason University make $3,422 more than the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from George Mason University

25
24 Annual Graduates

Georgia Tech is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta.More information about a bachelor’s in international relations & national security from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

Rest of the Top Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools

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28
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
29
Lafayette crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for International Relations & National Security students that almost earned our Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools award.

Rank College Location
30 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
31 University of Denver Denver, CO
32 Occidental College Los Angeles, CA
33 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
34 Northeastern University Boston, MA
35 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
36 Fordham University Bronx, NY
37 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
38 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
39 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL

International Relations & National Security by Region

View the Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree 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

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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 8,848
International Security 194
Other International Relations & National Security Studies 116

Related Major Annual Graduates
Political Science & Government 43,812
Economics 39,397
Sociology 29,576
Anthropology 8,890
General Social Sciences 6,378
Geography & Cartography 4,409
Other Social Sciences 1,669
Urban Studies 1,051
Sociology & Anthropology 541
Archeology 201

Notes and References

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