2026 Best International Relations & National Security Schools in Minnesota

International Relations & National Security programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. 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 & national security students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

• Best International Relations & National Security Schools in Minnesota

Best Schools for International Relations & National Security in Minnesota

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

Top Schools in International Relations & National Security

1

Carleton College
Northfield, MN

Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type

38 International Relations & National Security Degrees Awarded

$45,096 Median Starting Salary

Carleton College tops our 2026 ranking of the best international relations & national security schools. Set in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Carleton College graduates 90% of students within six years. About 38 international relations & national security degrees were awarded at Carleton College in the most recent year. Graduates of the international relations & national security program make about $45,096 in their early career. Carleton College graduates carry a median of $17,566 in student loans. See the full international relations & national security program report for Carleton College

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

38 International Relations & National Security 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 & national security, ranking #2. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. About 38 international relations & national security degrees were awarded at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities in the most recent year. Graduates of the international relations & national security 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 & national security 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.