Compare 9 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $58,219. Top programs: $80,344+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $29,685 to $80,344—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The nearly $51K spread means where you study this field matters far more than the prestige of the institution offering it.
Topping the list, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's program delivers $80,344 in median earnings—well above the $58,219 average across all ranked programs. Colgate University follows closely at $79,025, while George Mason University, a public institution admitting 87% of applicants, produces graduates earning $72,271. Selective admissions and high earnings don't move in lockstep here.
UNC Chapel Hill leads on affordability, too: graduates borrow just $14,000 in student loans and face a 3.3% payment burden—comfortably in the 'Excellent' tier. Georgetown graduates carry a similarly low 4.2% student burden, though when parent loans are factored in, the family burden rises to 14.7%. At DePaul, a 31.5% family burden signals meaningful financial risk despite a net price of $27,359. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $80,344
Strong outcomes ($72,271) with 87% acceptance rate
3.3% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
10.2% family burden | Good — payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $80,344 | 102 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Good | |
| #2 | Colgate UniversityPrivate | $79,025 | 19 | — | — | — | — |
| #3 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $73,534 | 30 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Manageable |
| #4 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $72,271 | 44 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Manageable |
| #5 | Salisbury UniversityPublic | $60,003 | 26 | $21,000 | Excellent | $33,815 | Challenging |
| #6 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $53,498 | 11 | $23,168 | Good | $41,563 | High |
| #7 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $42,682 | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| #8 | Hamline UniversityPrivate | $32,925 | 11 | — | — | — | — |
| #9 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 12 | — | — | — | — |
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 →
