Compare 13 National Security Policy Studies. programs in New York. Average earnings: $53,634.
National Security Policy Studies programs produce graduates earning between $31,455 and $80,020—a $49K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 13 ranked programs in New York, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
At the top, Colgate University produces National Security Policy Studies graduates earning $80,020, well above the $53,634 state average. University of Rochester follows at $68,086, while Fordham University rounds out the top three at $67,198. These outcomes track program strength, not overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Colgate graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 3.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, CUNY City College leads with an 11.8% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colgate UniversityPrivate | $80,020 | 41 | $15,000 | Excellent | $59,463 | Challenging |
| #2 | University Of RochesterPrivate | $68,086 | 42 | $21,000 | Excellent | $30,000 | Manageable |
| #3 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $67,198 | 97 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Challenging |
| #4 | Vassar CollegePrivate | $60,969 | 27 | $18,625 | Excellent | $44,501 | Challenging |
| #5 | Cuny City CollegePublic | $59,863 | 77 | $11,990 | Excellent | $17,460 | Good |
| #6 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $57,789 | 106 | $26,000 | Good | $39,841 | High |
| #7 | Suny College At GeneseoPublic | $54,921 | 43 | $19,500 | Good | $22,092 | Challenging |
| #8 | $52,217 | 33 | $18,750 | Good | $23,871 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Hamilton CollegePrivate | $46,087 | 27 | $17,000 | Good | $45,578 | High |
| #10 | Skidmore CollegePrivate | $45,067 | 20 | $19,500 | Good | $60,000 | High |
| #11 | $40,648 | 18 | $27,000 | Challenging | $61,178 | High | |
| #12 | $32,925 | 20 | $21,500 | High | $24,455 | High | |
| #13 | Suny OneontaPublic | $31,455 | 18 | $19,812 | High | $24,845 | High |
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 →
