Compare 20 National Security Policy Studies. programs in the West. Average earnings: $54,273.
National Security Policy Studies programs produce graduates earning between $33,528 and $96,952—a $63K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 20 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Stanford University's National Security Policy Studies program leads with graduates earning $96,952, well above the regional average of $54,273. Brigham Young University follows at $75,656 with a 69% acceptance rate, while USC delivers $73,645 despite its 10% selectivity—proof that program outcomes don't always track institutional exclusivity.
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. BYU offers even better family affordability with a 5.7% combined burden, making it the standout choice for families managing both student and parent loans.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $96,952 | 42 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Good |
| #2 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $75,656 | 27 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #3 | $73,645 | 194 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Occidental CollegePrivate | $69,388 | 39 | $23,000 | Excellent | $51,450 | Challenging |
| #5 | $58,151 | 169 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #6 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $56,779 | 39 | $22,940 | Good | $56,559 | High |
| #7 | Gonzaga UniversityPrivate | $55,063 | 25 | $24,454 | Good | $37,652 | High |
| #8 | Lewis & Clark CollegePrivate | $54,455 | 39 | $19,500 | Good | $33,625 | High |
| #9 | $53,050 | 77 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Manageable | |
| #10 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $52,401 | 57 | $23,000 | Good | $44,413 | High |
| #11 | University Of DenverPrivate | $49,527 | 114 | $21,844 | Good | $27,813 | High |
| #12 | $49,220 | 80 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $48,897 | 41 | $18,922 | Good | $26,150 | High | |
| #14 | $48,654 | 33 | $16,552 | Good | $17,585 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $48,551 | 12 | $19,500 | Good | $17,148 | Challenging | |
| #16 | $46,876 | 79 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #17 | University Of IdahoPublic | $41,914 | 35 | $21,982 | Manageable | $21,162 | High |
| #18 | $38,171 | 41 | $19,000 | Manageable | $23,489 | High | |
| #19 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $34,575 | 34 | $19,500 | Challenging | $58,361 | High |
| #20 | $33,528 | 34 | $20,500 | High | $18,859 | 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 →
