Best International Relations and National Security Studies Degrees in Illinois by ROI

Colleges in Illinois ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Programs in Illinois

6

Colleges with salary data

Average 20-Yr Net ROI

-$263,406

Across Illinois programs

Average Annual Cost

$70,089

Cost of attendance

#	College	20-Yr Net ROI	Median Salary	Annual Cost	Avg Debt
1	Wheaton College Grad rate: 87.4%	+$18,860	$55,844	$56,447	$23,875	Full ROI →
2	Northwestern University Grad rate: 96.2%	-$25,061	$59,606	$87,804	$19,234	Full ROI →
3	University of Chicago Grad rate: 95.2%	-$334,724	$42,635	$86,856	N/A	Full ROI →
4	DePaul University Grad rate: 69.7%	-$342,575	$38,199	$59,467	$21,250	Full ROI →
5	Knox College Grad rate: 71.0%	-$423,144	$34,002	$65,796	N/A	Full ROI →
6	Loyola University Chicago Grad rate: 73.9%	-$473,793	$32,595	$64,167	$21,500	Full ROI →

How ROI is calculated

20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)

A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.

Find Best International Relations and National Security Studies Degrees by State

Browse International Relations and National Security Studies programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.

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