2026 Best International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best International Relations National Security master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 449 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
No school ranked higher than Rice University this year in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. More on Rice University
Duke University came in at #2 on this year's International Relations National Security ranking in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Read the full report on Duke University
You'll be in good company at Stanford University, which ranked #3 this year. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. See the full Stanford University profile
The strong International Relations National Security programs at Johns Hopkins University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $12,000. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
The strong International Relations National Security programs at Yale University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. Yale University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. More on Yale University
Georgetown University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Georgetown University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Get the full Georgetown University report
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Harvard University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. About 98% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University
Tufts University did well this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $16,375. Get the full Tufts University report
Institute Of World Politics placed #10 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Institute Of World Politics report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $16,481. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,672 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of California San Diego ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $17,101 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Washington University In St Louis landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. More on Washington University In St Louis
George Washington University placed #16 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $22,000. Read the full report on George Washington University
Webster University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $25,939. Read the full report on Webster University
University Of Arizona ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,861. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Southern California ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $13,765 in student loans. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,323. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
American University did well this year, earning the #22 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. More on American University
Angelo State University placed #23 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Angelo State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $11,066 in debt. Read more about Angelo State University
Marquette University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Get the full Marquette University report
Monterey Institute Of International Studies did well this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Monterey, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,654. See the full Monterey Institute Of International Studies profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Texas A And M University College Station placed #26 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station International Relations National Security students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Norwich University landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, VT. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $16,850. More on Norwich University
George Mason University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,000. Read more about George Mason University
Syracuse University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $24,443. Read more about Syracuse University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Georgia did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Chicago placed #32 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $15,854. Get the full University Of Chicago report
St Marys University placed #33 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. St Marys University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Antonio, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,434. Graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. Read the full report on St Marys University
Claremont Graduate University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Claremont Graduate University
New York University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Read the full report on New York University
University Of North Georgia did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. University Of North Georgia graduates 50% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $20,500. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott placed #37 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Prescott, AZ. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,901 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott profile
University Of Florida came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. More on University Of Florida
University Of Miami came in at #39 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,616. Graduates carry a median of $17,250 in student loans. More on University Of Miami
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,958. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Northeastern University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best International Relations National Security schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Get the full Northeastern University report
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Wright State University Main Campus is a public school based in Dayton, OH. Wright State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 42%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Students borrow a median of $25,836 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. More on Wright State University Main Campus
Kansas State University did well this year, earning the #43 position. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,546. See the full Kansas State University profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Northeastern University Global Network did well this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell did well this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school based in Lowell, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. University Of Massachusetts Lowell International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,574 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Fordham University placed #47 among International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. About 82% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,470. Graduates carry a median of $25,843 in student loans. Read the full report on Fordham University
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $12,678 in student loans. More on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Seton Hall University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in South Orange, NJ. Seton Hall University graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,170. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
Liberty University landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. Read the full report on Liberty University
Related International Relations National Security Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best International Relations National Security Schools (All Levels)
- Best International Relations National Security Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Relations National Security Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Relations National Security Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best International Relations National Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best International Relations National Security Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Relations National Security Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 449 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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