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2025 Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools

134 Colleges in the United States
8,561 Bachelor's Degrees
$39,589 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.

College Factual looked at 134 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best International Relations & National Security Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 8,561 bachelor's degrees in international relations & national security to qualified students.

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 quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges ranking which itself looks at a collection 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 schools 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

Learn about 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 20% 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

Johns Hopkins University is one of the best schools in the United States 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 program at Johns Hopkins University get $4,415 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

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

2
203 Annual Graduates
$46,870 Median Starting Salary
$27,116 Median Student Debt

It is hard to beat University of Virginia - Main Campus if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the suburb of Charlottesville.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security degree program at University of Virginia - Main Campus earn $7,281 more than 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

3
537 Annual Graduates
$52,933 Median Starting Salary
$55,471 Median Student Debt

George Washington University is a great choice for students interested in a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security. 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 major at George Washington University make $13,344 more than 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 George Washington University

4
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
268 Annual Graduates
$50,588 Median Starting Salary
$42,952 Median Student Debt

Every student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in international relations & national security needs to take a look at Georgetown University. Georgetown is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington.

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Georgetown University earn a boost of around $10,999 above the typical earnings of international relations & national security majors.

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

5
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
382 Annual Graduates
$47,551 Median Starting Salary
$53,146 Median Student Debt

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

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security degree program at American University make $7,962 above the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

6
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

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

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security degree program at Stanford University make $36,577 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

7
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
56 Annual Graduates

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

8
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts 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 Tufts University make $14,490 more than the standard international relations grad.

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

9
165 Annual Graduates
$52,262 Median Starting Salary
$33,500 Median Student Debt

Located in the 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 $12,673 more than the standard 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

10
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI

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

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at Brown University earn $6,695 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

11
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
233 Annual Graduates
$45,870 Median Starting Salary
$64,885 Median Student Debt

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

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Boston University earn a boost of approximately $6,281 above the average income of international relations & national security majors.

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

12
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

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

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security major at University of Pennsylvania get $25,970 above the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

13
13 Annual Graduates

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

14

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern 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 Northwestern University earn $18,737 more than the standard international relations grad.

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

15
21 Annual Graduates

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

16
93 Annual Graduates
$46,653 Median Starting Salary
$83,352 Median Student Debt

Fordham U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Bronx.

Bachelor's recipients from the international relations & national security program at Fordham University earn $7,064 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

17
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
130 Annual Graduates
$44,638 Median Starting Salary
$52,583 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 earn $5,049 more than the typical international relations graduate.

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

18
30 Annual Graduates

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

19
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT

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

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Middlebury College earn a boost of approximately $28,755 over the typical earnings of international relations & national security majors.

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

20
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
89 Annual Graduates

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

21
226 Annual Graduates
$39,275 Median Starting Salary
$17,368 Median Student Debt

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

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the international relations program report average early career earnings of $39,275.

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

22
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
101 Annual Graduates
$43,249 Median Starting Salary
$49,333 Median Student Debt

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

International Relations & National Security bachelor's degree recipients from Syracuse University earn a boost of around $3,660 over the typical income of international relations & national security majors.

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

23
166 Annual Graduates
$44,644 Median Starting Salary
$39,466 Median Student Debt

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

Those international relations & national security students who get their bachelor's degree from George Mason University earn $5,055 more than the standard international relations grad.

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

24
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
47 Annual Graduates

Located in the rural area 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

25
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
298 Annual Graduates
$32,098 Median Starting Salary
$20,000 Median Student Debt

Florida State is a very large public university located in the city of Tallahassee.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the international relations program earn around $32,098 in the first couple years of their career.

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

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

26
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

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
27 University of Denver Denver, CO
28 Northeastern University Boston, MA
29 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
30 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
31 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
32 Lafayette College Easton, PA
33 Hamilton College Clinton, NY
34 Emory University Atlanta, GA
35 Wellesley College Wellesley, MA
36 Carleton College Northfield, MN
37 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
38 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
39 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
40 Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA
41 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
42 University of Delaware Newark, DE
43 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
44 Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA

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 8,227
International Security 224
Other International Relations & National Security Studies 110

Related Major Annual Graduates
Political Science & Government 42,363
Economics 37,777
Sociology 27,751
Anthropology 8,434
General Social Sciences 5,486
Geography & Cartography 4,014
Other Social Sciences 1,491
Urban Studies 984
Sociology & Anthropology 519
Archeology 186

Notes and References

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