phd international relations rankings

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2024 Best International Relations Doctor's Degree Schools

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for international relations students pursuing a doctor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 68 doctor's degrees in international relations to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great International Relations School for Your Doctor's Degree

A Great Overall School

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we consider a college's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree 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.

Other Factors We Consider

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

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to international relations students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of international relations students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized international relations related body.

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

More Ways to Rank International Relations Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings , including this Best International Relations Doctor's Degree Schools list to help you make the college decision.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study International Relations in the United States

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in international relations.

10 Top Schools for a Doctorate in International Relations

Johns Hopkins University is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a doctor's degree in international relations. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a doctor's degree in international relations. Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from University of Southern California

Tufts University is a wonderful choice for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in international relations. Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Tufts University

University of Virginia - Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a doctor's degree in international relations. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from University of Virginia - Main Campus

Georgia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the city of Atlanta. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

Claremont Graduate University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Claremont. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Claremont Graduate University

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from American University

Located in the large suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Florida International University

DU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Denver. More information about a doctorate in international relations from University of Denver

Located in the large city of Washington, Institute of World Politics is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. More information about a doctorate in international relations from Institute of World Politics

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to International Relations that might interest you.

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International Business (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)

Grad Cert - International Business (I Have a Bachelors)

International Relations by Region

View the Best International Relations Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in international relations, best master's degrees in international relations, best bachelor's degrees in international relations, best overall in international relations.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to International Relations

One of 2 majors within the International Relations & National Security area of study, International Relations has other similar majors worth exploring.

Most Popular Majors Related to International Relations

Notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to RepubFan12 . More about our data sources and methodologies .

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Best Universities for International Relations and Diplomacy in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in International Relations and Diplomacy. A graph of 732K citations received by 77.3K academic papers made by 835 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. London School of Economics and Political Science

For International Relations and Diplomacy

2. University of Oxford

3. Ohio State University

4. King's College London

5. University of Warwick

6. Australian National University

7. Columbia University

8. Georgetown University

9. George Washington University

10. Princeton University

11. University of Southern California

12. University of Chicago

13. American University in Washington

14. University of Cambridge

15. University of Copenhagen

16. University of California - Berkeley

17. University of Birmingham

18. University of Sydney

19. University of Sussex

20. University of British Columbia

21. Harvard University

22. Johns Hopkins University

23. University of Toronto

24. Cornell University

25. University of Leeds

26. York University

27. Yale University

28. University of Kent

29. Hebrew University of Jerusalem

30. University College London

31. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

32. McGill University

33. University of Wales

34. University of Queensland

35. Paris Institute of Political Studies

36. University of London

37. University of Oslo

38. Stanford University

39. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

40. University of Ottawa

41. University of California - Los Angeles

42. Pennsylvania State University

43. University of Manchester

44. University of Melbourne

45. Arizona State University - Tempe

46. Duke University

47. Lund University

48. New York University

49. University of Sheffield

50. University of Maryland - College Park

51. University of New South Wales

52. Nanyang Technological University

53. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

54. University of Nottingham

55. Indiana University - Bloomington

56. University of Bristol

57. Leiden University

58. University of Helsinki

59. Carleton University

60. University of Exeter

61. Monash University

62. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

63. Dartmouth College

64. Lancaster University

65. National University of Singapore

66. Education University of Hong Kong

67. University of St Andrews

68. Keele University

69. University of Washington - Seattle

70. Syracuse University

71. Aberystwyth University

72. Free University of Berlin

73. University of Pittsburgh

74. Florida State University

75. University of Leicester

76. National Research University Higher School of Economics

77. Texas A&M University - College Station

78. Uppsala University

79. Michigan State University

80. University of Pennsylvania

81. University of Glasgow

82. University of Texas at Austin

83. University of Georgia

84. University of Edinburgh

85. University of East Anglia

86. Griffith University

87. University of Virginia

88. Tufts University

89. Bar-Ilan University

90. Emory University

91. Deakin University

92. SOAS, University of London

93. University of Amsterdam

94. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

95. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

96. Bilkent University

97. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

98. George Mason University

99. University of Haifa

100. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in the World

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Top Universities for Global Policy, Public Affairs, & International Studies in 2022

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If you are considering a higher degree (Master or PhD) or career in International Affairs, FP Guides has put together a collection of some of the top international relations schools in the country. These school are offering graduate degrees across all subjects involving global policy, public affairs and international studies – the most sought after skills for careers in government, NGOs and non-profits.

Here are our choices for the top international relations schools for 2022-2023:

University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs

Yale university, jackson institute for global affairs.

Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

George Mason University, Schar School of Policy and Government

Carnegie Mellon University, Institute for Politics and Strategy

Offering Master of Science in International Relations and Politics (MS IRP), and Master of Information Techology Strategy (MITS), a collab between College of Engineering, School of Computer Science, and Institute for Politics and Strategy.

University of Arkansas, Clinton School of Public Service

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The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

Tufts University, the Fletcher School

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Learn more about each school’s programs and degrees

15 Best Schools For International Relations

The field of international relations examines how nation-states (and NGOs) interact with each other. It encompasses areas like trade, history, war, diplomacy, foreign policy, security, and politics. As a practice and scholarly endeavor, international relations increased in significance following WWII. It remains important in our highly-globalized world. Today, international relations professionals work in governments, non-profits, and academia. Schools around the world offer international relations programs for those interested in a career. Here are 15 of the best schools:

Table of Contents

• The London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK)
• Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
• Sciences Po (Paris, France)
• Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
• Tufts University (Boston, MA)
• University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
• Central European University (Vienna, Austria)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
• University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

#1 The London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK)

Programs offered: Undergrad, master’s, joint degrees, doctorate

The LSE has one of the largest and oldest international relations departments in the world. It has a wide range of program options, like a BSc, five MSc programs, and a research option designed as preparation for research work. Multiple joint degree programs are available, too, such as the BSc in International Relations and History; the BSc in Politics and International Relations; and the MSc in Theory in and History of International Relations. The MPhil/Ph.D. program requires students to produce a “substantial piece of work” meant to be published.

#2 Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Programs offered: Major, minor, honors

The international relations program is available to undergrads as a major, minor, or honors program. Designed with an interdisciplinary approach, students learn how state and non-state actors interact in international politics. Topics include foreign policy, war, international security , international trade, human rights, and much more. IR majors need to complete 30 units of core courses while minors need 30 units, five of which need to be core courses. Qualified students in the honors program must conduct an independent research project with faculty guidance and complete a thesis. The Political Science major also offers an international relations track while the Global Studies division has three graduate programs (East Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, and Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies), which could be a good fit for future IR professionals.

#3 Sciences Po (Paris, France)

Programs offered: Concentrations, 2-year master, 1-year master, dual degrees

Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs offers four ways to study international relations. Concentrations are available to all PSIA students. Students can choose by region (African Studies, the Americas, Asian Studies, etc) or theme ( diplomacy , human rights, global risks, etc). With the 2-year master’s, students have seven choices within the international affairs field, including international security, international development, and international energy. The accelerated 1-year master’s is for candidates with an undergrad degree and at least five years of full-time professional experience. The dual degree program is offered in partnership with four French universities and 10 international universities.

#4 Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

Programs offered: Undergrad and graduate

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs offers a multidisciplinary liberal arts major. Students take courses on a wide range of topics such as economics, sociology, politics, and more. There are five main graduate programs: Master in Public Affairs; Master in Public Policy; Ph.D. in Public Affairs; a joint degree program in Social Policy; and the HMEI-STEP Fellowship program. Graduate students can also get certificates in health and health policy; urban policy; or science, technology, and environmental policy. The Master in Public Affairs program offers an international relations concentration.

#5 George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)

Programs offered: Majors, master’s, dual-degree, joint-degree, graduate certificates

The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University offers multiple degree programs for students interested in international relations. There are five bachelor’s programs (including a B.A. in International Affairs, B.S. in International Affairs, and a minor in International Relations), 12 master’s degree programs (including international affairs, global communication, and international studies), and graduate certificates. The school also offers dual-degree, joint-degree options, and accelerated programs for mid-career professionals.

#6 Tufts University (Boston, MA)

Programs offered: Undergrad, master’s, doctorate

Tufts offers an interdisciplinary B.A. in international relations, which provides students with a solid background in history, politics, international economics, war, and more as they apply to international relations. The Fletcher School also offers part-time/full-time master’s in Global Affairs, Global Business Administration, Law and Diplomacy, and more. The Ph.D. program in International Relations is best for students with at least 2 years of professional experience.

#7 University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Programs offered: Bachelor’s and master’s

The university doesn’t offer a dedicated international relations undergrad degree, but students getting the Political Science degree will be introduced to international relations. The master’s program (which earns students an MSc in Political Science) covers peace and security, human rights, environmental issues, and much more from a global perspective. It relies on interdisciplinary insights and approaches in the international relations field. The Political Science: International Relations program is two semesters with a total of 40 weeks of courses.

#8 Georgetown University (Washington, DC)

Programs offered: Majors, minors, certificates, and graduate degrees

Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service offers eight majors related to international relations, such as global business, international economics, international political economy, and international politics. The school also offers minors and certificates in areas like diplomatic studies or regional studies, as well as master’s degrees in foreign service, security studies, and more. The Department of Government also offers a Ph.D. program in international relations . The program’s core strengths include international security, international political economy, and methodology.

#9 Central European University (Vienna, Austria)

Programs offered: Master’s and doctorate

CEU offers a full-time MA program in international relations, which can be completed in 1 or 2 years. The 2-year program is meant for graduates of three-year undergrad programs intending to pursue doctorates. In both tracks, students receive a big-picture view of international relations with a “close focus” on essential elements . Elective courses are divided into three modules: international relations theory and international law; international political economy and development; and international political sociology and history. Class size is small with no more than 20 students. The school also offers a Ph.D. in Political Science with an international relations track. Concentrations in security studies, international political economy, and political and IR theory are available.

#10 Columbia University (New York, NY)

Programs offered: Majors, master’s, and Ph.D.

For students wishing to study international relations at Columbia, their best bet is to go through the Political Science department, which has undergrad programs, master’s programs, and a Ph.D. program. Areas of focus include international security policy; international finance and economic policy; and human rights and humanitarian policy. There’s also a master’s program in Political Science, which has the option of an international relations concentration. The Ph.D. program in political science requires students to first get the MA, then the M.Phil. at Columbia. The School of International and Public Affairs also offers a master’s of international affairs.

#11 Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Programs offered: Major, master’s, joint degree

The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is Yale’s home for international relations. Undergraduates can get a B.A. in global affairs, which allows for flexibility when choosing coursework. The school also offers a master’s in Public Policy in Global Affairs (the M.P.P.), which is a small program with just 35 students in each class, as well as the master of advanced study (M.A.S.) in global affairs, which is a 1-year program for mid-career professionals. The Jackson School also has a joint degree program where students can earn an M.P.P. in Global Affairs and the relevant degree (M.B.A., J.D., M.F.S, etc) from one of four other Yale professional schools.

#12 University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Programs offered: Majors, joint B.A./M.A.

This school offers an undergrad program in Global Studies, which includes international relations. Students must study abroad for at least one quarter and become proficient in a foreign language. The Political Science major is also an option for students studying international relations. For those interested in a different kind of program, the university allows qualified students to pursue a joint B.A./M.A. in International Relations . It’s provided through the Committee on International Relations and is the first graduate program of its kind.

#13 University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Programs offered: Undergrad, doctorate

The Political Science major is a good choice for students interested in international relations. Coursework varies from large lectures to small seminars. There are six main requirements, including choosing a specialization, so students should choose the international relations subfield. UC Berkley also has a Ph.D. program in Political Science, which consists of coursework, examinations, and dissertation research and writing. Students will need to pass one exam in a major subfield, like International Relations, as well as a second exam in any subfield.

#14 University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)

The University of Oxford’s main international relations programs are graduate programs through the highly-ranked Department of Politics and International Relations. Students can earn an MSC in Political Research Theory or Politics Research. The MPhil is a 21-month program that blends theoretical and conceptual training with methodology training and original research. The DPhil program takes 3-4 years of full-time study or 6-8 years of part-time study.

#15 Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

Programs offered: ALB, ALM, and graduate certificate

Harvard University does not have a dedicated international relations program for undergrad majors (the government major is the closest thing), but the Harvard Extension School’s Division of Continuing Education has three options. The Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) in international relations is designed for students around 32 years old who work full-time. The Harvard Extension school also offers a 12-course master’s degree (ALM) in international relations, where students develop analytical skills and build knowledge and understanding of global issues like poverty , human rights, armed conflict, and more. They also have the option of obtaining a certificate in social justice, international security, or nuclear deterrence. The 4-course graduate certificate provides an understanding of international cooperation, conflict, foreign policy, and more.

2024 Best Colleges for International Relations in America

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1-25 of 755 results

Georgetown University

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   1,274 reviews

Freshman: Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law, business, international relations, and public policy. Situated in Washington, D.C., Georgetown benefits from its proximity to numerous government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and networking. I love the diverse and inclusive community, attracting students and faculty worldwide. Diversity enriches the cross-cultural understanding. Georgetown has a vast and influential alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Rooted in its Jesuit tradition, Georgetown emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and service to others, instilling in students a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on society. ... Read 1,274 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,049

SAT range 1410-1550

#1 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

WASHINGTON, DC ,

1274 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law,... .

Read 1274 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,049 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1550 ,

Yale University

New Haven, CT •

• • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,050 reviews

Freshman: As someone who came from a low-income community and attended an underfunded high school, Yale is a dream come true. There are a plethora of resources for students with backgrounds like me, along with resources for the general student population. I like that Yale provides peer tutors for most STEM classes and writing tutors within the residential colleges (Hogwarts Houses) and the library's writing center. Additionally, the professors I've had thus far are wonderful and extremely helpful. They seem like they genuinely want their students to thrive and are willing to take some of their own time to help them. The student community at Yale is amazing and diverse. There is an astounding amount of clubs and activities for students to join, and I'm grateful for the many options I have. The housing at Yale can be hit-or-miss, especially when comparing the new residential colleges with the older ones. However, Yale's residential college system fosters a welcoming and tight-knit community. ... Read 1,050 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $20,605

SAT range 1480-1580

#2 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

Blue checkmark.

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

1050 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says As someone who came from a low-income community and attended an underfunded high school, Yale is a dream come true. There are a plethora of resources for students with backgrounds like me, along with... .

Read 1050 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $20,605 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1580 ,

Stanford University

Stanford, CA •

• • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,280 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant campus culture fostered deep connections with peers and faculty, sparking countless engaging discussions and collaborations. The resources and opportunities available, from research initiatives to extracurricular activities, were unparalleled, allowing me to pursue my interests and passions fully. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring that all students feel equally supported and represented within the Stanford community. Additionally, enhancing accessibility to resources for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds would further enrich the university experience for all. ... Read 1,280 reviews

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $14,402

SAT range 1470-1570

#3 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

STANFORD, CA ,

1280 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant... .

Read 1280 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $14,402 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Kalamazoo College

KALAMAZOO, MI

• • Rating 3.69 out of 5   419

Eckerd College

SAINT PETERSBURG, FL

• • Rating 3.61 out of 5   1,028

Nazareth University

ROCHESTER, NY

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   859

Tufts University

Medford, MA •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,073 reviews

Freshman: Tufts is an excellent school with lots of freedom to explore your passions. The professors are excellent and care about each student individually. There are lots of clubs to choose from and people are always welcoming. The campus vibe is very nice and laid back generally. Everyone is very passionate about some subject which is inspiring to be around. The dining halls are not amazing but Kindelvan and the other cafes are very convenient. Some of the activities can be hard to join as freshmen because it can be competitive but gets easier to get involved in later years. The dorms are not fancy but they certainly aren’t bad in general. People are quirky and a little nerdy but it keeps it interesting. In my experience, financial aid is also one of the best available. Overall I highly recommend going to Tufts! ... Read 1,073 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $31,630

SAT range 1440-1550

#4 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

MEDFORD, MA ,

1073 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Tufts is an excellent school with lots of freedom to explore your passions. The professors are excellent and care about each student individually. There are lots of clubs to choose from and people... .

Read 1073 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $31,630 ,

SAT Range : 1440-1550 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,356 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,356 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $14,578

SAT range 1480-1570

#5 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1356 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1356 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $14,578 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1570 ,

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,035 reviews

Freshman: I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change and grow here. The people are really nice! What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what opportunities I have to contribute to the community or make the most of my educational experience. ... Read 4,035 reviews

Acceptance rate 13%

Net price $26,021

SAT range 1410-1540

#6 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4035 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change... What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what... .

Read 4035 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 13% ,

Net Price : $26,021 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1540 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,080 reviews

Freshman: Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and personal growth. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about students' academic and personal development. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and the encouragement to question assumptions. However, I would suggest enhancing resources for mental health support and increasing accessibility to financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall, Brown provided a nurturing environment that empowered me to thrive academically and personally. ... Read 1,080 reviews

Net price $25,028

SAT range 1460-1570

#7 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1080 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to... .

Read 1080 reviews.

Net Price : $25,028 ,

SAT Range : 1460-1570 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,406 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future. ... Read 1,406 reviews

Acceptance rate 8%

Net price $20,680

SAT range 1470-1560

#8 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1406 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement... .

Read 1406 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 8% ,

Net Price : $20,680 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1560 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.95 out of 5   4,707 reviews

Senior: I always wanted to go UM and worked really hard to get here, and I believe that it paid off! I do, however, think that faculty can be a bit lenient and understanding of students personal life and their impacts on their education and their understanding. Additionally, I believe that safety on campus can be improved and that minorities are considered for safety in the same sense as the majority on campus as we are easily in harms way. As a student graduating, but continuing their education as a graduate student at the University of Michigan, I can say that enjoyed my time on campus. There were so many opportunities to meet other students in other fields and backgrounds. I can only hope that I can get better as a graduate student. ... Read 4,707 reviews

Acceptance rate 20%

Net price $19,205

SAT range 1340-1520

#9 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4707 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I always wanted to go UM and worked really hard to get here, and I believe that it paid off! I do, however, think that faculty can be a bit lenient and understanding of students personal life and... .

Read 4707 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 20% ,

Net Price : $19,205 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1520 ,

Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,572 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,572 reviews

Net price $28,298

SAT range 1490-1570

#10 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1572 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

Read 1572 reviews.

Net Price : $28,298 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

George Washington University

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   2,236 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my overall experience at GWU! Although guidance pertaining to my studies/next steps following my education was sometimes difficult to seek (I graduated with a BA in Psychological & Brain Sciences), professors were receptive to sharing their knowledge on this matter and offered their perspective whenever applicable. It merely seems that a student needs to advocate for themself and actively search for the answers they're looking for -- it won't be offered on a platter. I found this to be the case with GWU's academic advising. Nonetheless, the academics were spectacular. I received a very well-rounded education and was surrounded by a great community. The staff, professors, and students all left a positive impression. Plus, I established meaningful friendships and connections that I know will last forever. GWU's campuses are beautiful and safe, and the main campus is conveniently located near a metro stop, allowing students to easily explore D.C. ... Read 2,236 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 50%

Net price $31,240

SAT range 1310-1490

#11 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

2236 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I thoroughly enjoyed my overall experience at GWU! Although guidance pertaining to my studies/next steps following my education was sometimes difficult to seek (I graduated with a BA in Psychological... .

Read 2236 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 50% ,

Net Price : $31,240 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1490 ,

Boston University

Boston, MA •

• • Rating 3.69 out of 5   3,633 reviews

Alum: Boston University is a huge undergraduate school. Therefore, you really have to seek out opportunity and friendships to find them -- it's not the kind of school where everyone knows each other's name. I barely knew the other members of my own major (Neurobiology within the Biology department). However, that's not necessarily the case, as there can be much stronger camaraderie in other departments like the College of Engineering, or even among Physics majors. While there is not a strong sense of school spirit and tradition at BU, unless you specifically seek it out (for example, I was in the BU pep band), I really appreciated the opportunities offered by such a large research institution. I got to break into cutting edge research by connecting with investigators at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. I discovered a passion for data science on top of my aspiration for a career in medicine. Plus, it's BOSTON!!! It's an exciting city to live in while young. ... Read 3,633 reviews

Acceptance rate 19%

Net price $25,852

SAT range 1360-1520

#12 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

BOSTON, MA ,

3633 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Boston University is a huge undergraduate school. Therefore, you really have to seek out opportunity and friendships to find them -- it's not the kind of school where everyone knows each other's... .

Read 3633 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 19% ,

Net Price : $25,852 ,

SAT Range : 1360-1520 ,

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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,295 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,295 reviews

Net price $33,727

SAT range 1510-1580

#13 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1295 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1295 reviews.

Net Price : $33,727 ,

SAT Range : 1510-1580 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,490 reviews

Alum: Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would name as not a good professor, and that review is simply isolated to their teaching ability, not their subject knowledge. The learning support system is also extensive, and students are incredibly supportive as well. There is a culture of enabling yourself and those around you to reach new heights. While all the academics and research are amazing, I would say Northwestern needs to work on its accessibility to mental healthcare and ties to the greater Chicagoland community. There could be many more community outreach programs designed to benefit the diverse and interesting Chicago population, from academics to student life. ... Read 1,490 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $29,999

#14 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1490 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would... .

Read 1490 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $29,999 ,

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA •

• • Rating 3.95 out of 5   432 reviews

Sophomore: Transferred in from a flagship state school and have no regrets. Found more welcoming communities, interesting professional/research opportunities, and more engaging classes. Facilities and the overall area (being in between LA County and San Bernardino) are somewhat underwhelming but can be made more enjoyable with a car. Food and residential life is good, and you'll find most people are friendly across the 5Cs. More specific to CMC, students love having profound conversations and engaging in multiple productive pursuits. It's definitely a grind, but a fulfilling one -- especially if you're pre-professional interested in IB/Consulting. ... Read 432 reviews

Net price $21,663

SAT range 1420-1530

#15 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

CLAREMONT, CA ,

432 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Transferred in from a flagship state school and have no regrets. Found more welcoming communities, interesting professional/research opportunities, and more engaging classes. Facilities and the... .

Read 432 reviews.

Net Price : $21,663 ,

SAT Range : 1420-1530 ,

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

• • Rating 3.91 out of 5   2,408 reviews

Freshman: I have really loved my first year at UVA. All of my professors have been intelligent, thoughtful, and well-versed in their subjects; even better, almost all of them cared about my well-being not just as a student, but also as a human being, even in classes of 100+ people. The friends I've made here have been wonderful, and there is a wealth of opportunities in terms of extracurricular activities, internships, and undergraduate research here. I have no complaints at all! ... Read 2,408 reviews

Acceptance rate 21%

Net price $20,401

SAT range 1380-1500

#16 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

2408 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I have really loved my first year at UVA. All of my professors have been intelligent, thoughtful, and well-versed in their subjects; even better, almost all of them cared about my well-being not just... .

Read 2408 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 21% ,

Net Price : $20,401 ,

SAT Range : 1380-1500 ,

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA •

• • Rating 3.63 out of 5   428 reviews

Alum: Absolutely transformative. The impact wasn't just due to the exceptional quality of professors and the favorable teacher-to-student ratio but also owed much to the remarkable student body. Immersing myself in an environment where everyone was achieving at a high level had a profound influence on me. The constant exposure to major achievers compelled me to elevate my standards significantly just to keep pace. This habit, cultivated during my time there, has remained a guiding force throughout my life. It laid the foundation for a fulfilling and successful journey in both life and work. Proud to be a Swattie! Gus Woltmann ... Read 428 reviews

Net price $19,733

SAT range 1430-1560

#17 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

SWARTHMORE, PA ,

428 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Absolutely transformative. The impact wasn't just due to the exceptional quality of professors and the favorable teacher-to-student ratio but also owed much to the remarkable student body. Immersing... .

Read 428 reviews.

Net Price : $19,733 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1560 ,

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   530 reviews

Junior: Middlebury has really amazing resources. There is always someone available to help with finding awesome internships, with planning your class schedule, with improving your grade, or requesting aid money. Because the school is so small I've also gotten to know all my professors well. I've found that professors have high expectations about my level of understanding on subjects and the amount of work I can do in a week. Friends who've come from IB programs or ones like it though have said that they have less work here than in high school but not everyone feels that way. The nature around campus is also great! It can be hard to get off campus into the woods if you don't have a car but the outdoors club can help with that. The college campus culture is extremely wealthy. Students' cars are generally nice and the number of students who travel during each break is high. Most students come from cushy backgrounds and it can be hard to find people who have a different relationship to wealth. ... Read 530 reviews

Net price $26,958

SAT range 1380-1530

#18 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

MIDDLEBURY, VT ,

530 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Middlebury has really amazing resources. There is always someone available to help with finding awesome internships, with planning your class schedule, with improving your grade, or requesting aid... The nature around campus is also great! It can be hard to get off campus into the woods if you don't have a car but the outdoors club can help with that. The college campus culture is extremely wealthy. Students' cars are generally nice and the number of students who travel during each break is high. Most students come from cushy backgrounds and it... .

Read 530 reviews.

Net Price : $26,958 ,

SAT Range : 1380-1530 ,

University of California - Los Angeles

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   5,583 reviews

Alum: It was amazing! I came to UCLA as a 3rd year transfer student meaning I had more perks than some of those who came in as freshmen. The housing I did off-campus apartment dorms which was amazing. They are like luxury apartments with plenty of space for roommates with open kitchens and fully furnished. The campus has a strong sense of community and it's easy to find friends and people you can connect with both in and out of your majors and initial interests. The college town Westwood is built against Beverly Hills and close to Rhodeo Drive, meaning it's not uncommon to spot a celebrity here and there. The local theaters host recarpets and UCLA students are often given entry to the premiers. the professors in my major (Art History) were some of the kindest and most interesting people I will have the pleasure to meet. My only issue is the workload, if you get overwhelmed easily, it's not the school for you. The quarter system is a monster for any major. ... Read 5,583 reviews

Net price $13,393

SAT range —

#19 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

5583 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says It was amazing! I came to UCLA as a 3rd year transfer student meaning I had more perks than some of those who came in as freshmen. The housing I did off-campus apartment dorms which was amazing. They... .

Read 5583 reviews.

Net Price : $13,393 ,

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   634 reviews

Sophomore: I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and even better people. Conversations with peers are just as nuanced as the people and although the campus could still do with some diversity, I think we're definitely on the better end (I say this as a half Black and half-Asian student from a very predominantly white town). I've found that it's really easy to make friends because the campus and class sizes are so small (that being said, I'm also more extroverted). However, even my more introverted friends have said that they were eventually able to find close friends as their first or second year progressed -- the key is to be involved in campus or go to events and intentionally talk to people and reach out. ... Read 634 reviews

Acceptance rate 16%

Net price $21,862

SAT range 1400-1540

#20 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

WELLESLEY, MA ,

634 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and... .

Read 634 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 16% ,

Net Price : $21,862 ,

SAT Range : 1400-1540 ,

New York University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   5,730 reviews

Other: New York University (NYU) is more than just an educational institution; it's an immersive journey through academic excellence, cultural diversity, and urban vibrancy. As a recent graduate, I can confidently affirm that NYU offers an unparalleled experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of higher education. One of the most striking aspects of NYU is its location. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the campus seamlessly blends into the bustling rhythm of New York City. From the iconic Washington Square Park to the countless cultural landmarks just a stone's throw away, NYU provides students with unparalleled access to the pulse of the city. ... Read 5,730 reviews

Net price $50,991

SAT range 1450-1570

#21 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

5730 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says New York University (NYU) is more than just an educational institution; it's an immersive journey through academic excellence, cultural diversity, and urban vibrancy. As a recent graduate, I can... One of the most striking aspects of NYU is its location. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the campus seamlessly blends into the bustling rhythm of New York City. From the iconic Washington Square... .

Read 5730 reviews.

Net Price : $50,991 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1570 ,

Pomona College

• • Rating 4.23 out of 5   423 reviews

Junior: After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have to leave this place after next year. Pomona maintains a truly unique culture among elite higher education. Students here are bright and academically top-notch, sure, but, more importantly, they are genuinely curious about the world, open-minded, and passionate about knowledge and justice. I have been challenged academically and personally, and grown more than I could have imagined as a result. The school has its problems, of course: for one, the administration is opaque and unresponsive to student needs. But the dedicated faculty, laidback California atmosphere, and student body more than make up for them. If you are given the opportunity to study here, seriously consider it: you will grow as a student and as a person. ... Read 423 reviews

Net price $17,000

#22 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

423 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have... .

Read 423 reviews.

Net Price : $17,000 ,

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY •

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   1,046 reviews

Alum: I applied to Colgate because it was a smaller liberal arts college with D1 sports and a smart, driven student body. I had a wonderful experience, I found amazing friends, and I flourished in my career because of the connections I made at Colgate. ... Read 1,046 reviews

Acceptance rate 17%

Net price $24,500

SAT range 1350-1500

#23 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

HAMILTON, NY ,

1046 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I applied to Colgate because it was a smaller liberal arts college with D1 sports and a smart, driven student body. I had a wonderful experience, I found amazing friends, and I flourished in my... .

Read 1046 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 17% ,

Net Price : $24,500 ,

SAT Range : 1350-1500 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,480 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,480 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $37,450

SAT range 1480-1560

#24 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1480 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1480 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $37,450 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1560 ,

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, CA •

• • Rating 3.63 out of 5   3,979 reviews

Alum: UC San Diego provides a wonderful environment to foster growth and fun in your undergrad experience. Students and faculty are friendly, caring, and eager to help make your time there as positive as can be. While the party scene isn't exactly what the school is known for, San Diego is a very fun, hip, and young area that you can and should explore to get out those college partying urges! The academics are outstanding and offer great success post-graduation. The campus is gorgeous and offers fun events throughout the week. ... Read 3,979 reviews

Acceptance rate 34%

Net price $15,632

#25 Best Colleges for International Relations in America .

LA JOLLA, CA ,

3979 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says UC San Diego provides a wonderful environment to foster growth and fun in your undergrad experience. Students and faculty are friendly, caring, and eager to help make your time there as positive as... .

Read 3979 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 34% ,

Net Price : $15,632 ,

Fordham University

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   2,202

The Ohio State University

COLUMBUS, OH

• • Rating 3.92 out of 5   5,882

Bard College at Simon's Rock

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

• • Rating 3.31 out of 5   346

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SIS ranked a top school in the world for international relations

You are here: american university school of international service news sis ranked a top school in the world for international relations.

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In February, Foreign Policy magazine once again ranked the School of International Service (SIS) in the top tier of international relations programs around the world at the undergraduate, masters, and PhD levels. Developed with the Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) project at the College of William and Mary, the Ivory Tower Survey is based on responses from more than 1500 international relations scholars.

The SIS masters and undergraduate programs both rank in the top 10, with our masters program placing eighth and our undergraduate program ninth. The growing strength of our PhD program, directed by SIS Professor Sharon Weiner , is emphasized by its rise into the top 20, placing 19th this year.

"This recognition from our peers is gratifying and is a testament to the transformational research conducted by our faculty and the hard work of both staff and faculty. It also reflects the high caliber of students who choose to come to SIS and the impact of our alumni. I'm proud to be part of the work that we do here," said Interim Dean Christine BN Chin.

Foreign Policy releases rankings every three to four years. This year's rankings come at a time of international uncertainty, largely attributed to the Trump administration's disruptive approach to foreign policy and international order. Regardless, SIS's more than 3,000 students see important roles for themselves and for a robust US presence in global affairs.

"Right now, studying international relations is one of the most important things you can do. It's not so much understanding what's going on in the world, but it's also understanding why those things are happening, if they've happened in the past, and how we can make sense of what's going on in the world," said Kristina Biyad, SIS/MA '18.

SIS masters programs-both on campus and online-are still accepting applications . For more information, contact [email protected] .

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Considering graduate school? Graduate school is an excellent way to hone your expertise within the broad field of international relations (security studies, humanitarian affairs, etc). Please consult with your academic advisor about what kind of program is right for you, the necessary preparation and the timing. Below is a list of the top PhD and Master's programs in the United States and abroad.

Please note that LMU does not endorse any of these programs.

Top 10 Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.

• Harvard University: Kennedy School
• Princeton University: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
• Stanford University: Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy
• Columbia University: School of International and Public Affairs
• University of Chicago
• Yale University: Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
• University of California San Diego: School of Global Policy and Strategy
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Michigan
• University of California Berkeley

Source: ForeignPolicy.com: The Best International Relations Schools in the World

Top Ten Master's Programs for International Relations in the U.S.

• Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service
• Johns Hopkins University: The School of Advanced International Studies
• Tufts University: The Fletcher School , a Graduate School of International Affairs
• George Washington University University: The Elliot School of International Affairs
• American University: School of International Service

Source: ForeignPolicy.com: The Best International Relations Master's Programs

Top 10 International Universities for Master's in Politics and International Studies

• University of Oxford
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Sciences Po - Paris
• University of Cambridge
• The Australian National University
• University of Toronto
• National University of Singapore
• Freie University Berlin
• University of Tokyo
• University of Sydney

Source: Top University Rankings: Politics and International Studies

United Kingdom: Top 10 Universities for Master's Programs in International Relations

• London School of Economics
• King's College London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of York
• University of Edinburgh
• University of St. Andrews
• University of Manchester
• Queen's University Belfast

Source: Study In UK

50 Best Colleges for International Relations – 2024

April 24, 2024

International Relations is where economics, global politics, and cultural studies collide, producing versatile graduates ready to enter the Foreign Service, the intelligence community, or the world of international business. It’s little surprise that many of the schools that made our list of the Best Colleges for International Relations are located in metropolitan hubs like Washington D.C., but there are also premiere opportunities for study in locales like Tennessee (Rhodes College) and Minnesota (Carleton College). These schools are known for having professors who are leading scholars and high-ranking government officials, extensive and meaningful study abroad programs, and direct pipelines into desirable government agencies.

Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in international relations or international studies, their undergraduate offerings in these subject areas are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for International Relations.

Best Colleges for International Relations

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten international relations institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Georgetown University

2) Johns Hopkins University

3) Yale University

4) Tufts University

5) University of Pennsylvania

6) Stanford University

7) Claremont McKenna College

8) George Washington University

9) American University

10) Northwestern University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the area of international relations and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best international relations colleges, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—the university’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Georgetown University

• Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 7% cross the 50-student threshold. Those desiring to join the world of politics or diplomacy are in the right place. The Government and International Affairs programs are among the best in the country. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (38%) followed by business (20%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of members of the Class of 2022 entered the workforce, 19% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 3% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2022 sent massive numbers of graduates to a number of major corporations including JPMorgan Chase (22), Citi (21), BOA (18), Morgan Stanley (16), and EY (10). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 7,900
• Cost of Attendance: $85,000
• Median SAT: 1500
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: With 53 majors as well as 51 minors, JHU excels in everything from its bread-and-butter medical-related majors to international relations and dance. Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with 78% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Many departments carry a high level of clout, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, English, and international studies. Biology, neuroscience, and computer science, which happen to be the three most popular majors, can also be found at the top of the national rankings.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 94% of graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 66% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 19% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 for the Class of 2022. JHU itself is the most popular choice for graduate school. The next most frequently attended institutions included Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

• Enrollment: 6,044
• Cost of Attendance: $86,065
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

• Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,705
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Tufts University

• Medford, MA

Academic Highlights: Three schools serve Tufts’ undergraduate population: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The three schools combined offer more than 90 majors and minors; approximately one-third of all students double major, and half declare a minor. 15% of all courses see fewer than ten students enrolled, and 60% have sub-twenty enrollments. The most popular majors include international relations, economics, computer science, political science, and biology—all of which receive very high marks.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after earning their diplomas, 97% of 2022 graduates were employed or attending graduate school. The most commonly entered fields were finance, consulting, real estate (23%); engineering and technology (22%); health, life sciences, environmental (21%); and education, advocacy, social services (11%). Prolific employers of Tufts alums include Booz Allen Hamilton, JPMorgan, MITRE, Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Raytheon, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who went directly to graduate school, 85% were accepted into their first-choice institution.

• Enrollment: 6,815 (undergraduate); 6,616 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $88,300
• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 94%

University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights : 90 distinct degrees are available across four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Applied Science and Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the world-renowned Wharton School. The greatest number of students pursue degrees in business (19%), social sciences (14%), biology (11%), health sciences (9%), engineering (9%), and computer science (9%). The university boasts an exceptional 26% of courses with an enrollment under ten and 59% with an enrollment under twenty as well as multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research.

Professional Outcomes: 75% of Class of 2022 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 18% were in graduate school. Finance attracted the highest percentage of grads (30%) followed by consulting (20%), technology (15%), and healthcare (10%). Employers hiring the greatest number of 2022 grads included JPMorgan, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Meta, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is $80,000. For those continuing their educational journeys, the most popular move is to remain at Penn, followed by Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 9,760 (undergraduate); 13,614 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,028

Stanford University

• Palo Alto, CA

Academic Highlights: Stanford has three undergraduate schools: the School of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. 69% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 34% have a single-digit enrollment. Programs in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, international relations, and economics are arguably the best anywhere. In terms of sheer volume, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), computer science (16%), engineering (15%), and interdisciplinary studies (13%).

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries in equal distribution: business/finance/consulting/retail (19%); computer, IT (19%); and public policy and service, international affairs (19%). Among the companies employing the largest number of recent grads are Accenture, Apple, Bain, Cisco, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, and SpaceX. Other companies that employ hundreds of Cardinal alums include LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Airbnb. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

• Enrollment: 8,049 (undergraduate); 10,236 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,833
• Acceptance Rate: 4%

Claremont McKenna College

• Claremont, CA

Academic Highlights: CMC offers 33 majors and 11 “sequences,” series of courses that can be completed across the neighboring schools in addition to one’s major. The college boasts an average class size of eighteen, and 82% of course sections have fewer than twenty students. Economics, government, international relations, biology, and psychology are the most popular majors, and among the strongest. Interdisciplinary majors such as Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) also carry outstanding reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-eight percent of 2022 graduates found employment within six months of graduation, and only 4% were still looking for work. The median starting salary for a 2022 Claremont grad is $87,000. You name the prestigious graduate/professional program and, chances are, a recent CMC grad (or two or three) is presently studying there. Since 2001, more than 120 alumni have enrolled at USC and UCLA. More than 60 grads have headed to UChicago, Columbia, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,386
• Cost of Attendance: $86,500
• Graduation Rate: 91%

George Washington University

Academic Highlights: GW undergraduates choose from 75+ majors spread across nine colleges. The school’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to a mix of small, medium, and large undergraduate sections. Twelve percent of courses have single-digit enrollments, 10% have over 50 students, and the majority fall in the 10 to 29 range. The social sciences (31%) are the area in which the greatest number of degrees are awarded followed by health professions (17%), business (15%), biology (5%), and computer science (5%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving GW, 96% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to gainful employment or graduate school while 4% were still job hunting. Of the 68% of grads already in the workplace, 68% were in a for-profit industry, 25% had entered a nonprofit position, and 8% were working in government. A healthy 27% of those earning their diplomas in 2022 immediately turned their attention to earning an advanced degree. Among that group were 76% seeking master’s degrees, 11% entering law school, 5% pursuing a medical degree, and 3% entering a doctoral program.

• Enrollment: 11,482
• Cost of Attendance: $85,740
• Median SAT: 1410
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

American University

Academic Highlights: There are 60+ undergraduate degrees for students to choose from at AU across six colleges. A low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows 58% of offered courses to be capped at nineteen students; the average undergraduate class size is 23. American’s School of International Service (SIS) is one of the top-ranked programs in the country—its Public Affairs program also receives universally high marks. In terms of sheer popularity, the most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (35%), 17% (business), and journalism (11%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 90% of AU grads have found employment, are enrolled in grad school, or both. Across all graduating years, more than 100 alumni presently work for the US House of Representatives, the US Department of State, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, EY, IBM, PwC, and Accenture.  Many of the most popular grad school destinations are only a Metro stop away. George Washington, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and American itself head the list.

• Enrollment: 7,917
• Cost of Attendance: $76,176
• Median SAT: 1360
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 79%

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290
• Median SAT: 1530
• Graduation Rate: 97%

University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921
• Median SAT: 1510
• Graduation Rate: 93%

University of California, San Diego

• San Diego, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 140+ undergraduate majors offered at UCSD, and all students join one of eight undergraduate colleges meant to forge flourishing communities within the larger university. Biology has the highest representation of all majors (19%) followed by engineering (12%), the social sciences (11%), and computer science (9%). UCSD’s computer science and engineering programs have stellar reputations in the corporate and tech communities, and programs in biology, economics, and political science are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Employers of recent graduates included the Walt Disney Company, Tesla, NBC Universal, PwC, Northrop Grumman, and EY. More than 1,000 current Google employees are UC San Diego alumni, and Qualcomm, Amazon, and Apple all employ 500+ each. The median early career salary is $65,000 across all majors, placing the university in the top 10 public universities in the country. UCSD also fares well in measures of its return-on-investment potential.

• Enrollment: 33,096 (undergraduate); 8,386 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,830 (in-state); $64,404 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828
• Retention Rate: 99%

Middlebury College

• Middlebury, VT

Academic Highlights: Midd offers 50 departments and programs in which to major and minor. The school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 14% of sections contain fewer than ten students. Middlebury is renowned for its Language Department as well as its programs in economics and international studies. The college has a robust international program (75 programs in 40 countries); over 50% of juniors take a semester abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 81% of the Class of 2022 had landed jobs and 12% were in graduate school. The most commonly held jobs fell under the categories of financial services (19%), consulting (14%), science and healthcare (14%), and media and technology (12%). Many Middlebury grads now enter tech-related fields; Google and Facebook are two of the leading employers alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department.

• Enrollment: 2,773 (undergraduate); 70 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,850
• Median SAT: 1460
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Retention Rate: 95%

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Acceptance Rate: 11%

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040

University of Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can study within one of seven colleges/schools, which all offer many small classes; 15% boast single-digit enrollment and 48% contain 19 or fewer students. The McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering and Applied Science have glowing reputations. Other notable strengths include computer science, economics, and political philosophy, policy, and law. The most popular degree areas are liberal arts/general studies (22%), the social sciences (14%), engineering (11%), business/marketing (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes:  Upon receiving their degree, 95% of the Class of 2022 immediately joined the workforce–with an average starting salary of $90k–or headed directly to graduate school. The most popular industries were internet & software, higher education, and management consulting. Capital One (85), Deloitte (46), Amazon (38), and Bain & Co. (26) scooped up the greatest number of 2022 grads. UVA itself was the most popular grad school destination followed by Columbia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 17,496 (undergraduate); 8,653 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $39,494-49,874 (in-state); $78,214-90,378 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

University of California, Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 90 undergraduate majors across three schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Creative Studies. The social sciences are the most popular area of study, accounting for 27% of the total degrees conferred. Biology (10%), math (9%), and psychology (9%) are next in popularity. The school has highly regarded programs in communication, computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, and the performing arts. More than half of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 72% enroll 29 or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of earning their diplomas, 84% of grads had found employment. The most popular industries were science/research (16%), engineering/computer programming (14%), business (13%), finance/accounting (11%), and sales (10%). Top employers of recent grads include Google, EY, KPMG, Oracle, Amazon, IBM, and Adobe. Many alumni also can be found at Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Two years after graduating, UCSB alumni make an average salary of $55k; more than half make $100k by mid-career.

• Enrollment: 23,460 (undergraduate); 2,961 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,289 (in-state); $73,863 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

Macalester College

• St. Paul, MN

Academic Highlights: Students can choose from roughly 40 majors and over 800 courses that are offered each academic year . Being an undergraduate-only institution, Macalester students enjoy the full benefits of the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average class size is only 17 students, and 14% of class sections have single-digit enrollments. Macalester possesses strong offerings across many different disciplines. Programs in economics, international studies, and mathematics are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Macalester Class of 2022 had found employment, graduate school, or a fellowship. Employers of recent grads include ABC News, Google, Goldman Sachs, Dow Chemical Company, McKinsey & Company, the ACLU, the National Cancer Institute, and National Geographic . Across all sectors, the average starting salary for recent grads was above $62k. Sixty percent of Mac grads pursue an advanced degree within six years of earning their bachelor’s.

• Enrollment: 2,175
• Cost of Attendance: $79,890
• Retention Rate: 88%

Carleton College

• Northfield, MN

Academic Highlights: Students work closely with their professors, and the college is routinely rated atop lists of best undergraduate teaching institutions. Small classes are the norm with the average being only sixteen students. It offers 33 majors, the most popular of which are within the disciplines of the social sciences (19%), the physical sciences (14%), biology (11%), computer science (11%), mathematics (10%), and psychology (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Target, Epic Systems, Google, Wells Fargo, and Amazon all employ large numbers of graduates. Carleton is a breeding ground for future scholars as a ridiculously high number of graduates go on to earn PhDs. In fact, by percentage, Carleton is one of the top five producers in the country of future PhDs. They produce an incredible number of doctoral degree holders in the areas of economics, math, political science, sociology, chemistry, physics, biology, and history.

• Enrollment: 2,034
• Cost of Attendance: $82,167
• Median SAT: 1490
• Acceptance Rate: 17%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

Colgate University

• Hamilton, NY

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 16, Colgate undergraduates work intimately with their instructors. The social sciences account for 35% of all degrees conferred and, within that umbrella, economics, political science, and English are among the most popular and most well-regarded majors.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2022, that group represented less than 2% of the graduating class. A substantial 80% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included BOA, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, EY, Wayfair, and the NIH. 85-95% of law school applicants are accepted into one of their target institutions. The medical school numbers were even more impressive with 100% of graduating seniors gaining acceptance into at least one med school.

• Enrollment: 3,130
• Cost of Attendance: $83,814

Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 28% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 72% have nineteen or fewer. Economics, government, and biology are among the strongest and most popular majors; other standout programs include public policy, mathematics, and environmental studies. Thirty percent of students earn social science degrees, with biology (13%), visual and performing arts (9%), physical science (7%), and foreign languages (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 491 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2022, an enviable 97% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. The most commonly entered industries were finance (17%), education (13%), business (12%), and science/tech (11%). Only 17% of 2022 graduates went directly into an advanced degree program. In one recent year, 33% of Hamilton grads were studying a STEM field, 22% were in the social sciences, 17% pursued a health care degree, and 5% went to law school.

• Enrollment: 2,075
• Cost of Attendance: $82,430
• Graduation Rate: 92%

United States Air Force Academy

• USAF Academy, CO

Academic Highlights: There are 32 majors, including seven with “engineering” in the title. That works out well as the Air Force Academy runs one of the premier undergraduate engineering programs in the entire country. One-third of degrees conferred in 2022 were in engineering followed by business (14%), the social sciences (13%), interdisciplinary studies (11%), and biology (6%). 66% of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in research at one of the 27 research centers and institutes.

Professional Outcomes: As with any service academy, the bulk of graduates spend a good portion of their careers within the armed forces. For USAFA grads, a minimum five-year commitment to the Air Force is mandatory. Many alumni spend time later in their careers working in the commercial airline industry at Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Many also work for Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Lockheed Martin. Roughly 10% of new grads are cleared to immediately enter a graduate program in exchange for additional years of service.

• Enrollment: 4,085
• Cost of Attendance: $0
• Median SAT: 1400

University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame, IN

Academic Highlights: 75 majors are offered across six undergraduate colleges: the School of Architecture, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza School of Business (one of the country’s best business schools), the College of Engineering, the Keough School of Global Affairs, and the College of Science. In 2022, the most degrees were conferred in business (20%), the social sciences (18%), engineering (12%), and biology (8%). A solid 60% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 15% have single-digit numbers. 75% of Notre Dame undergrads study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 69% of 2022 grads directly entered the world of employment, with the most common industries being financial services (21%), consulting (17%), technology (12%), and health services (9%). Massive numbers of alumni can be found at Deloitte, EY, PwC, IBM, Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and McKinsey & Co. The median early-career salary was $76,000. Of the 20% of grads who went directly into their graduate/professional studies, 18% were pursuing medical degrees and 9% were studying law.

• Enrollment: 8,971 (undergraduate); 4,134 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,125

Colby College

• Waterville, ME

Academic Highlights: Offering 56 majors and 35 minors, Colby provides a classic liberal arts education with a high degree of flexibility and room for independent intellectual pursuits. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. Being a true liberal arts school, Colby has strengths across many disciplines, but biology, economics, and global studies draw especially high praise. These programs along with government and environmental science attract the highest number of students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had either obtained jobs or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighteen percent of graduates enter the financial industry and large numbers also start careers in education, with government/nonprofit, STEM, and healthcare next in popularity. The Medical school acceptance rate over the past five years is 68%, nearly double the national average.

• Enrollment: 2,299
• Cost of Attendance: $86,720
• Average SAT: 1485
• Average ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Graduation Rate: 87%

Boston College

• Chestnut Hill, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. BC offers highly respected programs in communications, psychology, and business through the renowned Carroll School of Management. Other popular and well-regarded majors include economics, biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Class of 2022 had landed at their next destination. The most favored industries were financial services and real estate (26%), health care/science (20%), and business/consulting (16%). The median starting salary for a 2022 BC grad was $67,000. Eighteen percent of the Class of 2022 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Yale. Examining the Class of 2022 data, 16% entered law school, and 14% pursued some other type of doctoral degree.

• Enrollment: 9,484
• Cost of Attendance: $86,155
• Average SAT: 1482
• Average ACT: 34

New York University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: NYU is divided into a number of smaller (but still quite large) colleges organized by discipline; in sum, there are 230 areas of undergraduate study across nine schools and colleges. For its size, a commendable 58% of classes have an enrollment under 20 students. While all schools within NYU have solid reputations, Stern holds the distinction as one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country. For those entering film, dance, drama, or other performing arts, Tisch is as prestigious a place as you can find to study.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, 94% of Class of 2022 grads had landed at their next destination, with 78% employed and 21% in graduate school. The top industries for employment were healthcare (11%), internet and software (9%), finance (8%), and entertainment (8%). Large numbers of alumni can be found at Google, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Amazon. The mean starting salary is $75,336. In 2022, business, arts and sciences, and law school were the most popular grad school destinations.

• Enrollment: 29,401 (undergraduate); 29,711 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,222-$96,172
• Median SAT: 1520

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 3,687
• Cost of Attendance: $86,242
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• Retention Rate: 91%

Lafayette College

Academic Highlights: Lafayette offers 51 areas of study over four academic divisions: engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and the social sciences. One-on-one attention from professors is a reality at Lafayette, thanks to a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no graduate students to compete with. A solid 62% of sections contain fewer than twenty students; 11% enroll nine or fewer. Of the degrees conferred in 2022, social sciences (34%) and engineering (19%) were the disciplines in which the largest number of degrees were earned.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, a stellar 98% of the Class of 2022 had already landed full-time jobs or were enrolled in graduate/professional school. Companies employing large numbers of Lafayette alumni include Merck, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase Co., Deloitte, and EY. Those attending graduate school frequently land at some of the top programs in the country within their respective disciplines. Medical school applicants with a 3.6 GPA or above enjoy a 72% acceptance rate, and dental school candidates find homes at an 89% clip.

• Enrollment: 2,729
• Cost of Attendance: $84,402
• Acceptance Rate: 34%

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

• Enrollment: 7,101
• Cost of Attendance: $83,702
• Graduation Rate: 90%

United States Military Academy

• West Point, NY

Academic Highlights: There are 37 majors at West Point, and students must conquer a minimum of 13 courses within their area of study as well as 24-27 courses in West Point’s core academic program. Almost 98% of class sections at West Point enroll fewer than 20 students, and plenty of research opportunities exist within each department. West Point is one of the best undergraduate engineering colleges in the country and has standout programs in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Professional Outcomes: West Point graduates must honor their eight-year military commitment (five years of active duty, three in the reserves), and many continue their military careers beyond those requirements. When they do enter the workforce, large numbers of alumni land at Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Meta, Google, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs, with mean mid-career pay in excess of $125,000. With military duties to fulfill, only a small percentage of cadets matriculate directly into graduate programs.

• Enrollment: 4,393
• Median SAT: 1350
• Median ACT: 30

Pomona College

Academic Highlights: There are 48 majors and minors to select from with the most popular being social sciences (23%), biology (13%), and computer science (12%). Majors in economics, international relations, chemistry, and mathematics receive especially high marks. More than 600 courses are on the menu at Pomona alone, but students can access any of the Claremont Consortium’s 2,700 courses. Pomona’s 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio leads to an average class size of only 15 students, and over 50% of the undergraduate population conduct research alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: 71% of the Class of 2022 were employed within six months of graduating. Overall, the largest number of alumni can be found at Google, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Recently, economics degree-earners have landed jobs at Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, or Accenture. Majors in the hard sciences frequently landed at top research laboratories and hospitals. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who were accepted directly into graduate school, the most frequently attended institutions included the University of Cambridge, Duke, Harvard, Caltech, UChicago, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,761
• Cost of Attendance: $88,296

University of California, Los Angeles

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

University of Georgia

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. Business is the most commonly conferred undergrad degree, accounting for 29% of diplomas earned. It is followed by biology (10%), social sciences (8%), communication & journalism (8%), and psychology (7%). Top-ranked programs include animal science, business, communications, and public and international affairs. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and no matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school’s faculty.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of the Class of 2022 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Walt Disney Company, and Deloitte. Salaries vary between colleges; engineering grads had a median starting salary of $65k while journalism and communication grads reported a $50k median. In 2022, 24% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Columbia, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Penn, and UVA.

• Enrollment: 30,714 (undergraduate); 9,893 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,538 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1310
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 43%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240

Dickinson College

• Carlisle, PA

Academic Highlights: As students immerse themselves in one of 46 areas of concentration, Dickinson supports them with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of fifteen, with 78% of classes being capped at 19 students. By discipline, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (27%), biology (12%), business (10%), psychology (7%), and foreign languages (5%). The college’s foreign language program, which features 13 offerings—including Arabic, Hebrew, and Portuguese—is recognized as one of the top programs in the country.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of Dickinson grads have found jobs or full-time volunteer work, or have enrolled in graduate school. Companies employing more than 25 Dickinson alumni include Deloitte, IBM, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Merck, EY, PNC, PwC, Google, and Amazon. It’s interesting that more alumni can be found in New York City than in Pennsylvania. Within five years of receiving their diplomas, 55-60% of recent grads have entered or finished graduate school.

• Enrollment: 2,125
• Cost of Attendance: $86,151
• Median SAT: 1355
• Acceptance Rate: 35%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 31%

College of William & Mary

• Williamsburg, VA

Academic Highlights: Forty undergraduate programs are available and William & Mary has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Class sizes are rarely tiny seminars, but 44% do enroll fewer than twenty students, and only 9% contain more than fifty. Among the college’s most notable academic programs are (1) government and (2) international relations, both of which serve as pipelines to Washington, DC, employers. The Mason School of Business is highly regarded in the corporate world. The social sciences (20%) and biology (11%) are also popular.

Professional Outcomes: 52% of the most cohort joined the workforce, and 36% entered graduate school within six months of graduation. Over 500 employers snatched up at least one member of the Tribe. Companies hiring at least four 2020 grads included Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, KPMG, and Deloitte. Many of those opting for immediate entry into graduate school stayed at their alma mater and the next most frequented universities included Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago.

• Enrollment: 6,797
• Cost of Attendance: $39,595 (In-State); $63,967 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 33%

Northeastern University

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 290 majors and 180 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Experiential learning is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business is a top-ranked school and offers one of the best international business programs anywhere, and both the College of Engineering and College of Computer Science are highly respected as well. Criminal justice, architecture, and nursing are three other majors that rate near the top nationally.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of State Street, Fidelity Investments, IBM, and Amazon, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Wayfair, Google, Amazon, Oracle, IBM, and Apple have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (55% make more than $60k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

• Enrollment: 20,980 (undergraduate); 15,826 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,821

Vassar College

• Poughkeepsie, NY

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and only three foundational curricular mandates, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 23% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. The most popular majors are in the social sciences, biology, the visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Meta, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft, Citi, and Amazon. Elite universities such as Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Columbia are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia. The school is one of the top 15 PhD producers.

• Enrollment: 2,459
• Cost of Attendance: $85,220
• Median SAT: 1480

Tulane University

• New Orleans, LA

Academic Highlights: Tulane offers 75 majors within five colleges, with the A.B. Freeman School of Business and programs in architecture, biology, and neuroscience enjoying strong national reputations. The most degrees are conferred in business/marketing (22%), the social sciences (20%), psychology (9%), biology (8%), and health professions (8%). The average class size is 21 students and a solid 21% of courses have single-digit enrollments, providing a seminar-style environment. The majority of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time professors.

Professional Outcomes: Over three-fifths of Tulane grads find employment within six months of graduation. The most popular occupations were financial analyst, management analyst, marketing specialist, and postsecondary teacher. Significant numbers of alumni can be found working in the Louisiana-based Ochsner Health System or at corporations such as Shell, EY, Google, PwC, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, and Accenture. 35% of grads eventually enroll in graduate or professional school—the most common destinations are Tulane itself, Louisiana State University, Boston University, and Johns Hopkins University.

• Enrollment: 7,295 (undergraduate); 4,990 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,000
• Median SAT: 1450
• Acceptance Rate: 15%

Bucknell University

• Lewisburg, PA

Academic Highlights: Over 60 majors and 70 minors are on tap across three undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the areas of the social sciences (26%), engineering (14%), business (14%), biology (11%), and psychology (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 94% of the Class of 2022 had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Financial services is the most common sector for Bucknell grads to enter, attracting 24% of alumni. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a Class of 2022 grad was $69,540. Bucknell saw 18% of 2022 grads go directly into an advanced degree program. Bison alumni heading to graduate school predominantly pursue degrees in the medical field, social sciences, business, or engineering.

• Enrollment: 3,747
• Cost of Attendance: $80,890
• Median SAT: 1380

University of Richmond

• Richmond, VA

Academic Highlights: There are over sixty undergraduate majors and many standout programs, including the one-of-a-kind Jepson School of Leadership Studies and the highly regarded Robbins School of Business, which grants 37% of degrees conferred by the university. The international relations, political science, and history departments as well as pre-professional pathways have excellent reputations. 21% of classes have single-digit enrollment, 76% of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 50% of students participate in an intensive research experience with a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduation, 96% of Richmond grads who were seeking employment had found jobs, with an average salary range of $55,000-$59,000. The most popular sectors were financial services/insurance (17%), accounting (7%), consulting (6%), healthcare (6%), teaching (6%), and sales/business development (6%). Companies where you can find at least 50 Richmond alumni employed include Capital One, Deloitte, PwC, Wells Fargo, EY, Dominion Energy, and Morgan Stanley.  25% of recent alumni chose to enroll directly in a graduate or professional degree program.

• Enrollment: 3,054 (undergraduate); 722 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $84,930
• Acceptance Rate: 23%

Occidental College

Academic Highlights: 45 majors, minors, and programs are on tap, but all students must first make their way through the Oxy Core Program. 95% of classes enroll fewer than thirty, and the average class size is 16. The most popular degree programs, all of which carry strong reputations with employers and graduate schools, are economics, biology, sociology, psychology, diplomacy and world affairs, mathematics, and urban and environmental policy. Over 30% of all degrees conferred are in the social sciences, 11% are in biology, and 10% are in the visual and performing arts.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduation, 95% of Occidental alumni are employed, pursuing graduate studies, or engaged in both simultaneously. The largest numbers of grads enter community service/education (25%), STEM (23%), and business (20%). Among the largest employers are the Los Angeles Unified School District, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Google, Morgan Stanley, and Amazon. Starting salaries for recent grads were $52k. Close to 75% of Oxy alumni eventually earn one or more advanced degrees.

• Enrollment: 1,942
• Cost of Attendance: $81,730
• Graduation Rate: 83%

Lehigh University

• Bethlehem, PA

Academic Highlights: Lehigh has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, but classes aren’t as tiny as one might expect with such favorable staffing numbers. The average class size is 26 but, on the plus side, 45% of courses have enrollments of 19 or fewer. Undergraduate research is commonplace. With a highly ranked engineering school, it’s easy to view Lehigh as primarily a techie haven. Surprisingly, the majority of students pursue other programs, with Lehigh’s well-regarded business school drawing the most majors (29%); 22% graduate with a degree in engineering and 12% study CS.

Professional Outcomes: Recent grads quickly found its way toward the next productive step in their lives with 97% landing jobs or grad school placements within six months of leaving Lehigh. Among graduates of the School of Business and Economics, the top industries entered were financial services, accounting, consulting, and computer software. The average starting salary for a recent grad is $67,000. Among recent diploma-earners heading straight to graduate school, roughly 30% were studying engineering, one-quarter were pursuing business degrees, 10% were training for health professions.

• Enrollment: 5,624
• Cost of Attendance: $72,000
• Acceptance Rate: 37%

University of Denver

Academic Highlights : There are 200 total degree programs at the University of Denver, with small class sizes being the norm as 55% of sections contain no more than 19 students, and 80% enroll a maximum of 29 individuals. The Daniels College of Business is highly respected by employers and attracts the greatest number of undergraduates. 32% of the degrees conferred in 2022 were in business/marketing, 16% were in the social sciences, 9% in biology, 9% in psychology, 8% in communication/journalism, and 7% in the visual and performing arts.

Professional Outcomes: 90% of 2022 Pioneer grads successfully entered the world of employment or graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree. 59% were employed full-time with a mean starting salary of $62k. Top employers included KPMG, Brown Brothers Harriman, Lockheed Martin, Epic, and Oracle. Other corporations employing 70 or more DU alums include CenturyLink, Charles Schwab, Comcast, Deloitte, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. 27% of 2022 graduates elected to continue their education in a graduate program.

• Enrollment: 6,160 (undergraduate); 7,583 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $80,614
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

Rhodes College

• Memphis, TN

Academic Highlights: The school offers 50 majors and minors and a great deal of academic autonomy along the way. A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an amazingly intimate average class size of only 14 students, and 75% of the students conduct undergraduate research. While the sciences may be the area for which Rhodes receives the greatest recognition, business, psychology, and international studies are also strong and attract large numbers of undergrads.

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of receiving their diplomas, 98% of Rhodes grads have found their way into the world of employment or are pursuing an advanced degree program. Among the companies employing the largest number of alumni are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Deloitte, EY, FedEx, Raymond James, and PwC. Close to 90% of those applying to graduate school get into their top-choice institution, and Rhodes ultimately produces an incredible number of PhDs in the sciences, economics, political science, and psychology.

• Enrollment: 1,996 (undergraduate); 12 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $67,802
• Acceptance Rate: 48%

Fordham University

Academic Highlights: The university offers more than seventy majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Fordham’s 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 23 students. Some classes will be on the smaller side as 52% of sections contain nineteen or fewer students. Gabelli is a top-rated business program with standout programs in international business and finance and serves as a pipeline to many large firms. Other popular areas of study include communications (10%), visual and performing arts (7%), psychology (6%), and biology (5%).

Professional Outcomes: Class of 2022 graduates found employment, graduate school, or other meaningful activities at a 96% clip within six months of receiving their degrees. Nearly two-thirds of this group landed employment and enjoyed an average salary of $70,000. Significant numbers of 2022 grads found homes at major companies including PwC (36), Ernst & Young (29), KMPG (24), Morgan Stanley (22), and Deloitte (21). The greatest number of recent graduates pursuing an advanced degree landed at Fordham, NYU, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 10,098
• Cost of Attendance: $85,067
• Acceptance Rate: 54%

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Colleges Offering an International Relations Major

Looking for colleges with an International Relations major? See a list of colleges with International Relations here to evaluate admissions data, tuition, rankings and more.

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Here are the best colleges with a International Relations Major

• Princeton University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Harvard University

Stanford University

Yale university, university of pennsylvania.

• California Institute of Technology
• Duke University

Brown University

Stanford, CA

• #3 in National Universities  (tie)

The sunny campus of Stanford University is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. The private institution stresses a multidisciplinary combination of teaching, learning, and research, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects.

(fall 2022)

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New Haven, CT

• #5 in National Universities

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.

Philadelphia, PA

• #6 in National Universities

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students can study in one of four schools that grant undergraduate degrees: Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Wharton.

Providence, RI

• #9 in National Universities  (tie)

At Brown University, undergraduate students are responsible for designing their own academic study with more than 80 concentration programs to choose from. Another unique offering at this private, Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the Program in Liberal Medical Education, which grants both a bachelor’s degree and medical degree in eight years.

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution in Baltimore that offers a wide array of academic programs in the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, and engineering disciplines. The Hopkins Blue Jays men’s lacrosse team is consistently dominant in the NCAA Division I; other sports teams at Hopkins compete at the Division III level.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is a private school in Evanston, Ill., about 30 minutes outside of Chicago. Undergraduate students have about 100 options for majors or can design their own non-traditional degree program.

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

• #12 in National Universities  (tie)

The University of Chicago, situated in Chicago’s Hyde Park community, offers a rich campus life in a big-city setting. Since 1987, the private institution has hosted the University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt, a four-day event that is regarded as the largest scavenger hunt in the world.

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

• #22 in National Universities  (tie)

Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic university in the country. The school's location in Washington, D.C. gives students many opportunities for internships throughout the nation's capital.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

• #24 in National Universities  (tie)

Carnegie Mellon University, a private institution in Pittsburgh, is the country’s only school founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The school specializes in academic areas including engineering, business, computer science and fine arts.

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Students can begin their education at the school's main location in a suburb of Atlanta, known as Emory College, or at Oxford College, a smaller campus about 40 miles away. This private institution offers about 70 majors in the arts and sciences, as well as degrees in business administration and nursing.

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Best UK universities for international relations – league table

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UK universities ranked by subject area: international relations