International Relations and National Security Studies at Stanford University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Stanford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Stanford University graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all international relations and national security studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
International Relations and National Security Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | $76,166 | $96,952 | — | — |
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey | $68,344 | $84,567 | — | — |
| University of Southern California | $52,262 | $73,645 | $13,765 | 0.26 |
| University of San Diego | $50,948 | $56,779 | $24,100 | 0.47 |
| California State University Maritime Academy | $42,924 | — | $26,000 | 0.61 |
| California State University-Chico | $39,060 | $48,654 | $15,095 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $37,198 | — | $21,634 | 0.58 |
Other International Relations and National Security Studies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey Monterey | — | $68,344 | — |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $52,262 | $13,765 |
| University of San Diego San Diego | $56,444 | $50,948 | $24,100 |
| California State University Maritime Academy Vallejo | $7,672 | $42,924 | $26,000 |
| California State University-Chico Chico | $8,064 | $39,060 | $15,095 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Stanford University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.