2026 Best International Relations Schools in Minnesota

International Relations degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for international relations students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

• Best International Relations Schools in Minnesota

Best Schools for International Relations in Minnesota

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall international relations education in Minnesota.

Top Schools in International Relations

1

Carleton College
Northfield, MN

Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type

38 International Relations Degrees Awarded

$45,096 Median Starting Salary

Carleton College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in international relations. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Northfield. About 90% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 38 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Carleton College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their international relations degree from Carleton College earn around $45,096 in the first couple years of their career. Carleton College graduates carry a median of $17,566 in student loans. See the full international relations program report for Carleton College

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

38 International Relations Degrees Awarded

$28,596 Median Starting Salary

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in international relations, ranking #2. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities awarded about 38 international relations degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the international relations program make about $28,596 in their early career. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates carry a median of $21,167 in student loans. Read more about the international relations program at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 9 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.