Compare 135 National Security Policy Studies. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $50,695. Top programs: $96,952+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, National Security Policy Studies tells a different story. Across 136 programs, earnings range from $66,955 to $96,952—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Stanford's National Security Policy Studies program leads with graduates earning $96,952, well above the $50,738 average. But the real story is program-specific strength: Middlebury College ($84,567) and Brown University ($82,229) round out the top three, proving that specialized programs compete independently of broader institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Stanford graduates borrow $12,000 and face just a 2.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Brigham Young University leads with a 5.7% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
