Best Colleges for International Relations in 2025–26

30 colleges with strong international relations programs, ranked by size and selectivity.

Florida International University

Miami, FL

54.7% acceptance$6,565 in-state

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA

26.7% acceptance$16,758 in-state

Boston University

Boston, MA

11.1% acceptance$68,102 in-state

American University

Washington, DC

62% acceptance$58,771 in-state

Brown University

Providence, RI

5.4% acceptance$71,412 in-state

Tufts University

Medford, MA

11.5% acceptance$70,704 in-state

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA

34.1% acceptance$25,914 in-state

University of Denver

Denver, CO

77.8% acceptance$61,398 in-state

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

52.4% acceptance$59,486 in-state

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ

70.6% acceptance$16,777 in-state

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY

13.9% acceptance$70,306 in-state

Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO

97% acceptance$8,960 in-state

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT

10.8% acceptance$67,600 in-state

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX

25.9% acceptance$53,676 in-state

Colby College

Waterville, ME

7.1% acceptance$69,600 in-state

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

86.2% acceptance$31,750 in-state

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA

14.1% acceptance$67,176 in-state

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA

42.1% acceptance$65,650 in-state

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN

28.5% acceptance$68,104 in-state

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI

68.2% acceptance$50,100 in-state

Arcadia University

Glenside, PA

80.2% acceptance$49,610 in-state

Connecticut College

New London, CT

37% acceptance$67,242 in-state

Eckerd College

Saint Petersburg, FL

75.8% acceptance$51,884 in-state

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN

50.3% acceptance$57,110 in-state

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL

56.8% acceptance$56,402 in-state

Pomona College

Claremont, CA

7.1% acceptance$65,420 in-state

Saint Norbert College

De Pere, WI

85.7% acceptance$45,580 in-state

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA

71.3% acceptance$21,046 in-state

Centre College

Danville, KY

54.4% acceptance$52,820 in-state

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA

9.6% acceptance$67,980 in-state

How to choose a international relations program

Language proficiency and study abroad are essential in IR. Look for programs with strong language departments, Model UN programmes, and connections to think tanks or international organisations. Proximity to Washington DC, New York, or Geneva provides internship advantages.

Common career paths for international relations graduates

Diplomat, Intelligence Analyst, International Development Officer, Foreign Correspondent, NGO Manager

Scholarships for international relations students

There are scholarships specifically for students studying international relations. Search our database to find awards you qualify for.

Find international relations scholarships →
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KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.