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Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

HUMANITIES Specialization

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates earn $63,114 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,720 and $84,295. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $63,114 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 111 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,074 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $40,929
Median Earnings · 4yr: $63,114
Colleges Offering: 111
Graduates / Year: 1,074
Avg Net Price / yr: $27,674

How Much Do Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Graduates Earn?

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates earn $63,114 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,720 and $84,295. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $40,929 climbs to $63,114 by year four.

$40,929

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$63,114

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$68,770

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$44,720 25th pct.

$63,114 Median

$84,295 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $63,114 and an estimated $110,696 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.3 years.

Based on outcomes from 68 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,074 students who complete Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs each year, the majority (51%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

51% 40%

Bachelor's 51%

Master's 40%

Post-Bacc Cert. 7%

What Can You Do With a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Degree?

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Arbitrators & Mediators leads at $75,530/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Arbitrators & Mediators

$75,530

$57K $108K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 300 openings/yr 9K employed nationally

Negotiation Active Listening Writing Speaking Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.

Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.

Top Colleges for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	144	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343
2	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	96	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
3	Georgetown University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	50	12.9%	$40,815	$103,494
4	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC · Public	47	88.5%	$10,965	$48,160
5	American University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	45	62%	$41,943	$77,370
6	University of San Diego San Diego, CA · Nonprofit	41	52.4%	$30,365	$86,522
7	California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA · Public	26	93.3%	$8,615	$57,162
8	Colgate University Hamilton, NY · Nonprofit	25	13.9%	$28,786	$85,139
9	Brandeis University Waltham, MA · Nonprofit	24	40.5%	$35,736	$77,231
10	Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX · Nonprofit	24	66%	$26,182	$55,736
11	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI · Public	23	90.7%	$15,014	$54,990
12	Salisbury University Salisbury, MD · Public	22	87.5%	$17,743	$61,515
13	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA · Public	19	69.2%	$15,048	$57,552
14	Chapman University Orange, CA · Nonprofit	18	65.4%	$46,555	$70,070
15	DePaul University Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	16	75.9%	$30,902	$68,751
16	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL · Nonprofit	16	64.8%	$41,272	$84,131
17	Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX · Nonprofit	16	63.4%	$40,892	$78,354
18	Villanova University Villanova, PA · Nonprofit	15	27%	$43,756	$100,423
19	Lipscomb University Nashville, TN · Nonprofit	15	67.7%	$24,739	$55,541
20	Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA · Nonprofit	15	100%	$24,588	$54,869

View all colleges

Ranked by Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $63,114 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $40,929 at graduation to $63,114 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates earn?

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates earn a national median of $63,114 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,720 and $84,295. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree?

One year after graduation, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree holders earn a median of $40,929. That climbs to $63,114 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree?

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree holders pursue careers including Arbitrators & Mediators, which pays a median of $75,530/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution program take?

A Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution?

111 colleges and universities in the United States offer Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $63,114 and an average net price of roughly $27,674/yr, a Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and Interdisciplinary Studies?

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates?

Employers hiring Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates?

With a median salary of $63,114, graduate study in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.