Compare 11 National Security Policy Studies. programs in Pennsylvania. Average earnings: $55,775.
National Security Policy Studies programs produce graduates earning between $20,140 and $81,134—a $61K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 11 ranked programs in Pennsylvania, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Pennsylvania's National Security Policy Studies program leads with graduates earning $81,134, well above the $55,775 state average. But Lehigh University follows close behind at $74,038, while Dickinson College reaches $72,214—proving that multiple Pennsylvania programs deliver strong outcomes regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Pennsylvania graduates borrow $15,715 and face just a 3.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Saint Joseph's University offers accessible admissions with an 86% acceptance rate while maintaining good affordability for students seeking strong career outcomes.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $81,134 | 44 | $15,715 | Excellent | $33,124 | Manageable |
| #2 | Lehigh UniversityPrivate | $74,038 | 34 | $21,960 | Excellent | $42,245 | Challenging |
| #3 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | $72,214 | 24 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,729 | Challenging |
| #4 | Bucknell UniversityPrivate | $68,553 | 21 | $27,000 | Good | $62,750 | High |
| #5 | Lafayette CollegePrivate | $64,575 | 48 | $16,000 | Excellent | $59,000 | High |
| #6 | Saint Joseph's UniversityPrivate | $58,981 | 17 | $25,500 | Good | $42,436 | High |
| #7 | $57,600 | 220 | $25,000 | Good | $38,368 | High | |
| #8 | Duquesne UniversityPrivate | $56,192 | 23 | $26,244 | Good | $57,511 | High |
| #9 | Allegheny CollegePrivate | $30,409 | 16 | $27,000 | High | $30,598 | High |
| #10 | Susquehanna UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 6 | $27,000 | High | $46,359 | High |
| #11 | University Of ScrantonPrivate | $20,140 | 6 | $27,000 | High | $41,370 | 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 →
