Compare 45 National Security Policy Studies. programs in the South. Average earnings: $49,064.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, National Security Policy Studies tells a different story. Across 46 programs in the South, earnings range from $52,157 to $78,563—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Virginia's National Security Policy Studies program leads with graduates earning $78,563, followed by Johns Hopkins at $72,053. The $26K gap between top and bottom performers reinforces that program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand, with the average across all programs at $49,228.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Johns Hopkins graduates borrow $10,250 and face just a 2.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. UVA leads in earnings but Johns Hopkins wins on affordability, proving the best choice depends on your financial priorities.
Highest program earnings: $78,563
Strong outcomes with 82% acceptance
2.8% payment burden | Excellent
12.1% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $78,563 | 270 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #2 | Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate | $72,053 | 100 | $10,250 | Excellent | $29,048 | Manageable |
| #3 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $70,549 | 251 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Manageable |
| #4 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $68,447 | 538 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Manageable |
| #5 | William & MaryPublic | $66,955 | 88 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Manageable |
| #6 | $64,800 | 50 | $22,996 | Excellent | $36,278 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $63,338 | 137 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #8 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $61,472 | 53 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Challenging |
| #9 | American UniversityPrivate | $60,883 | 434 | $22,750 | Good | $39,169 | Challenging |
| #10 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $60,138 | 57 | $24,500 | Good | $16,398 | Manageable |
| #11 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $57,370 | 82 | $20,093 | Excellent | $37,285 | Challenging |
| #12 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $56,480 | 41 | $17,500 | Excellent | $37,267 | Challenging |
| #13 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $55,266 | 173 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | Challenging |
| #14 | Towson UniversityPublic | $54,298 | 44 | $18,718 | Good | $28,489 | Challenging |
| #15 | Angelo State UniversityPublic | $53,246 | 35 | $20,000 | Good | $15,000 | Manageable |
| #16 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $53,201 | 227 | $18,500 | Good | $20,855 | Challenging |
| #17 | Rollins CollegePrivate | $53,145 | 23 | $25,500 | Good | $40,054 | High |
| #18 | $52,281 | 30 | $17,750 | Good | $12,100 | Manageable | |
| #19 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $52,157 | 364 | $18,000 | Good | $17,000 | Manageable |
| #20 | $52,021 | 21 | $20,500 | Good | $26,240 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $50,723 | 57 | $20,500 | Good | $33,574 | High | |
| #22 | $50,456 | 52 | $22,750 | Good | $48,666 | High | |
| #23 | $49,363 | 31 | $21,500 | Good | $31,393 | High | |
| #24 | Rhodes CollegePrivate | $49,269 | 30 | $21,761 | Good | $52,509 | High |
| #25 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | $48,234 | 51 | $23,000 | Manageable | $50,786 | 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 →
