Compare 132 National Security Policy Studies. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $60,572. Top programs: $99,205+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, National Security Policy Studies tells a different story. Across 132 programs, earnings range from $20,140 to $99,205—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The gap between top and bottom programs spans nearly $79,000, making program-level evaluation essential for anyone serious about outcomes in this field.
Johns Hopkins University leads with National Security Policy Studies graduates earning $99,205—well above the $60,572 average across all 132 ranked programs. Claremont McKenna College follows at $96,520, and Fairfield University rounds out the top three at $94,347. The presence of a small liberal arts college and a mid-size private university in the top three confirms that program outcomes here don't simply mirror institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Johns Hopkins graduates carry just $10,250 in federal student loans and face a 1.8% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, Johns Hopkins again leads with a combined burden of just 7.8%—also 'Excellent'—meaning total debt clears well within a standard repayment window relative to what graduates earn.
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
