It is always fascinating to work for your country as a Diplomat, intelligence analyst, Policy Analyst, or even as a Lobbyist. If you have planned to take international relations as your career choice, then you have made a good decision. In this article, I have handpicked the top 10 graduate schools for the international relations program.

As we all know, when it comes to international relations, undoubtedly, the USA has the best resources. The program offered will be first-class and will emphasize economics, culture, education, and political science. It is always noteworthy that this is a high-paying job and comes with an excellent reputation since working for your country. So what are we waiting for? Let us get that degree!

1. Syracuse University

If you are looking for a top-class school that is exclusively known for its international relations and foreign policy program, then Syracuse University is the fantastic choice. The school has a massive reputation since our great president Joe Biden is an alumnus of this university.

With the help of Syracuse partner PAN Communications — an integrated national marketing and PR agency, you will be able to get hands-on training on how to deal with different prospects from foreign countries.

Founded In: 1831
Tuition: $ 75,632
SAT Avg. : 1490
ACT Avg. : 31
Acceptance Rate: 69%
GPA: 3.55
Rank: #1 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 315-443-1870
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
ACE Mentor Scholarship- Varies- Scholarship Fund
Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship- Varies- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

2. Drake University

Located in Des Moines, Drake University is a world-class university popularly known for its foreign policy programs. The school has produced many US representatives and governors for our country. Moreover, they have an excellent faculty team where each of them has great experience in foreign relations.

The reason why I have put Drake at the top of the list is that this university is one of few schools in the world where they have received the  Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR). Moreover, this is provided only for 40 programs around the world.

Founded In: 1889
Tuition: $ 60,328
SAT Avg. : 1290
ACT Avg. : 24
Acceptance Rate: 68%
GPA: 3.00
Rank: #2 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 515-271-2011
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Presidential Scholarships- 12000$- Merit-Based Fund
Fine Arts Scholarships- Varies- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

3. American University

Located in Washington DC, American University is a world-class university that provides a beautiful campus with an excellent diversified student body for you. The campus is stress-free and provides a curriculum that has a holistic approach towards public and global affairs education.

The American University is known for having faculty who have enormous experience in this field; one such is Khaldoun AbouAssi, where his research has appeared in magnificent journals like Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector Quarterly and other top-notch journals.

Founded In: 1855
Tuition: $ 69,366
SAT Avg. : 1350
ACT Avg. : 26
Acceptance Rate: 39%
GPA: 3.66
Rank: #3 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 202-885-1000
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Josephine de Kármán Fellowship Trust- Varies- Merit-Based Fund
Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund (loans)- Varies- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

4. Penn State University

If you are looking for a university that provides hands-on training on the particulars of international relations, then I would highly suggest you go for Penn State University. This dynamic field of foreign relations is taught through a rigorous curriculum.

They are prepared for the competitive, technological, and multicultural environment of a person who works for international relations. The faculties are highly experienced and have enormous knowledge in this field.

Founded In: 1855
Tuition: $ 27,312 (after aid)
SAT Avg. : 1350
ACT Avg. : 25
Acceptance Rate: 40%
GPA: 3.4
Rank: #4 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 814-865-4700
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Provost’s Award- Varies- Merit-Based Fund

Apply for Admission

5. University of Southern California

Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is a first-class university that provides world-class facilities and infrastructure to have a fantastic undergraduate experience. The school provides a stress-free campus where you will find a community-based approach in the campus.

The USC Annenberg School of Communications prepares PR students to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. The director of the international relations program Fred Cook, the director of public relations, provides enormous training for passionate students.

Founded In: 1880
Tuition:  $ 80,151
SAT Avg. : 1510
ACT Avg. : 30
Acceptance Rate: 16%
GPA: 3.89
Rank: #5 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 213-740-2311
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University
Presidential Scholarship- Half Tuition- Merit-Based Fund
One-Quarter Tuition Dean’s Scholarship- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

6. California Baptist University

If you are looking for a school that not only provides a great undergrad program for international relations but also provides a first-class campus with decent living and food, then California Baptist University is a first-class choice. The university is highly recommended.

The highlight of the international relations program is it not only prepares you for jobs for the government but also, at the same time, you will also be nurtured to prepare your career in nonprofit organizations, corporations, government, and media organizations.

Founded In: 1950
Tuition: $ 50,734
SAT Avg. : 1210
ACT Avg. : 22
Acceptance Rate: 80 %
GPA: 3.11
Rank: #6 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 951-689-5771
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Presidents Scholarship – $14,500- Merit Based Fund
Directors Scholarship – $9,000- Award Based Fund

Apply for Admission

7. Emerson College

Emerson College is one of the finest colleges located in Boston. International relations provides not only insights on that particular subject but also combines programs like storytelling and data analytics which can be significant for your career prospects.

The school also manages to have a fantastic 13:1 student-faculty ratio which is far better than most of the schools for international relations. The faculties and professors have immense experience in this field.

Founded In: 1944
Tuition: N/A
SAT Avg. : 1300
ACT Avg. : 24
Acceptance Rate: 70%
GPA: 3.44
Rank: #7 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 617-824-8600
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)- 4000$- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

8. University of Florida

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida is a world-class university that provides the best facilities and infrastructure for college students. The school has massive alumni in international relations, which will be a great advantage for you since it will help you bag top-rated internship opportunities and job placements through networking with the school’s partnerships and affiliations. They provide a rigorous curriculum on international relations.

Founded In: 1853
Tuition: $ 21,431
SAT Avg. : 1344
ACT Avg. : 24
Acceptance Rate: 31%
GPA: 3.44
Rank: #8 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 352-392-3261
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Presidential Gold Scholarship: $8,000 Per Year- Award Based Fund
Presidential Platinum Scholarship: $10,000 Per Year- Award Based Fund

Apply for Admission

9. Biola University

Biola University is a first-class private Christian university that provides a world-class international relations program. The reason why this school is popular for this degree is that they will provide massive student abroad opportunities to get a global perspective on the subject.

Right from your first year in this school, they will provide Discussion-based courses and leadership opportunities which will be super beneficial for you in the future in foreign relations.

Founded In: 1908
Tuition: $ 59,758
SAT Avg. : 1455
ACT Avg. : 29
Acceptance Rate: 64%
GPA: 3.44
Rank: #9 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 562-903-6000
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
William Blackstone Transfer Academic Scholarship- 21,000$- Award Based Fund
Anna Horton Transfer Academic Scholarship- 20,000$- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission

10. Duquesne University

Duquesne University is yet another first-class catholic institution that has world-class facilities for international relations programs. Duquesne prepares students for a wide range of PR careers, from account management to media to creative services to public affairs. Classes are offered in all these fields and more. Moreover, the school also provides a beautiful campus where each student will be supportive and provides you a sense of the community-based campus. The campus is also filled with a diversified student body which is another advantage of studying in this world-class institution.

Founded In: 1878
Tuition: $ 59,104
SAT Avg. : 1410
ACT Avg. : 30
Acceptance Rate: 77%
GPA: 3.222
Rank: #10 of Best Graduate Schools for International Relations in the US
Contact: +1 412-396-6000
Financial Aid: Here are some of the Scholarships offered by the University,
Spirit of Community Scholarship- Varies- Scholarship Fund

Apply for Admission