Best colleges for International Relations and National Security Studies in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, Claremont McKenna College leads: its International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn a median $96,520 four years after finishing, against the field's $66,596 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claremont McKenna College | $96,520 | +$29,924 |
| 2 | Stanford University | $91,075 | +$24,479 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | $84,866 | +$18,270 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for International Relations and National Security Studies?
By graduate earnings, Claremont McKenna College — its International Relations and National Security Studies bachelor's graduates earn a median $96,520 four years out, the highest of the 3 California programs in the federal file.
What do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $84,866 to $96,520. The field's national median is $66,596.
Is a International Relations and National Security Studies degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn $18,236/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.