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Public, 4-year

Naval Postgraduate School

Monterey, California · www.nps.edu

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About

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is a prestigious institution located in Monterey, California, known for its advanced education and research in the fields of defense and security. Established in 1909, NPS primarily serves the United States military, providing graduate-level education to naval officers and other defense personnel. The school’s mission emphasizes the importance of addressing complex global security challenges through a rigorous academic curriculum and practical research initiatives. The NPS is distinguished by its strong focus on applied research that directly benefits the Navy and the broader defense community, ensuring that students are equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to tackle modern warfare and operational challenges.

The campus itself is beautifully situated along the scenic coastline of Monterey Bay, providing an inspiring environment for academic pursuit. NPS offers a variety of master’s and doctoral programs across multiple disciplines, including systems engineering, cybersecurity, and international security studies, among others. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and experts who bring real-world insights into the classroom, enhancing the educational experience. Moreover, the school's commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture allows students to engage in meaningful research projects, often resulting in impactful contributions to national security. Graduates of the Naval Postgraduate School are well-regarded in their fields and often take on significant leadership roles within the military, government, and private sectors, demonstrating the school's vital role in shaping the future of defense education and policy.

Trends in Graduate Enrollment and Gender Ratio

The data reveals significant insights into the graduate enrollment trends at the Naval Postgraduate School over the years. From 2013 to 2023, the number of graduate students fluctuated, starting from 3,090 in 2013 and declining to 2,670 by 2023. This represents a decline of approximately 13.6% over a decade. The gradual decrease in graduate enrollment may indicate challenges in attracting new students, potentially influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, competition from other institutions, and changes in program offerings.

Moreover, the gender ratio among graduate students has shown interesting shifts. The proportion of male graduate students has decreased from about 86.4% in 2013 to approximately 78.3% in 2023. This change suggests an increasing representation of female students in graduate programs, which is a positive trend towards gender equality in higher education. The percentage of female graduate students increased from 13.6% to 21.7% in the same period. This shift is particularly important, as promoting diversity in academic environments can lead to a richer educational experience and better educational outcomes.

In conclusion, while the decline in overall graduate enrollment poses challenges for the institution, the positive trend in increasing female representation is a significant development worth noting. The Naval Postgraduate School may need to consider strategies to enhance recruitment and retention of graduate students while continuing to support and promote diversity within its programs.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
San Jose, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 50 mi
Monterey, California
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Vice Adm. (ret.) Ann E. Rondeau (President)
Phone
8316562442
City
Monterey, California
Address
1 University Circle, Monterey, CA 93943

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's1,017107 international (10.5%)
Doctoral222 international (9.1%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other · Master's120 (3% international)
  • Systems Engineering · Master's115 (10% international)
  • International Relations and National Security Studies, Other · Master's108 (7% international)
  • Operations Research · Master's80 (8% international)
  • Homeland Security · Master's72 (3% international)
  • National Security Policy Studies · Master's63 (38% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Naval Postgraduate School

The graduation data from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2023 reveals significant trends in the field of advanced studies, particularly within military and technical disciplines. Notably, the Master's programs have the highest number of graduates compared to other degree levels, with Business Administration and Management yielding the most graduates at 114. This highlights the importance of management education in military settings, likely reflecting strategic priorities in modern military operations and organizational efficiency.

International students play a crucial role, especially in specialized fields such as Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations, where 10% of graduates at the Master's level are international. This indicates a growing global interest and investment in defense education, which aligns with current geopolitical dynamics. The presence of international students may enhance cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, essential for modern military operations.

In contrast, doctoral programs show limited participation, with only a few graduates across various fields. This could reflect the intensive nature of doctoral studies and the specific career trajectories of military personnel, who may prioritize practical experience over academic credentials.

Overall, the data suggests a strong emphasis on practical and managerial skills within military and defense sectors, highlighting a trend towards integrating business acumen with technical expertise. As the military landscape evolves, educational institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School will likely continue to adapt their programs to meet these changing demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Engineeringhas 334 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.-
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.-
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.-
Mechanical Engineering.-
Systems Engineering.-
Operations Research.-
Energy Systems Engineering, General.-
Social sciencehas 197 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.-
National Security Policy Studies.-
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.-
Military techonologies has 178 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations.-
Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare.-
Combat Systems Engineering.-
Engineering Acoustics.-
Space Systems Operations.-
Undersea Warfare.-
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other.-
Businesshas 110 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.-
Management Information Systems and Services, Other.-
Management Science.-
Computer and information sciencehas 106 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Information Technology.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer Science.-
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation.-
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Homeland security has 88 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Homeland Security.-
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations.-
Physical scienceshas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Physical Sciences, General.-
Meteorology.-
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Applied Mathematics, General.-

Students

2,441 students in 2025

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Naval Postgraduate School

The student body at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2023 presents a noteworthy composition, particularly among graduate students. With a total of 2,670 graduate students, the gender distribution shows a significant male dominance, comprising approximately 78.3% of the population, while female students account for about 21.7%. This gender disparity is reflective of broader trends in STEM and military-related fields, where male representation often outweighs female participation.

Delving deeper into the ethnic composition, white students make up a substantial portion of the graduate population, with 1,898 individuals, which indicates a continuing trend of underrepresentation of minority groups in higher education institutions, particularly in specialized fields. The emphasis on increasing diversity within academia has become a focal point for many educational institutions, including efforts to enhance inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups.

As we observe these trends, it is crucial for institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School to implement strategies aimed at fostering a more balanced demographic. This can include outreach programs, mentorship for female and minority students, and creating an inclusive environment that encourages a diverse range of perspectives. Addressing these disparities not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares all students for the diverse workforce they will encounter in their professional lives.

Overall, while the current statistics reflect ongoing challenges regarding gender and ethnic diversity, they also present an opportunity for growth and development within the academic community.

Age Distribution Among Students at the Naval Postgraduate School

The age composition of students at the Naval Postgraduate School reveals interesting trends in higher education demographics. The data shows a significant presence of graduate students, particularly in the 25-34 age range, indicating that many individuals are pursuing advanced degrees later in life. For instance, the 30-34 age group has the highest number of male graduate students at 567, while the same group has 151 female graduate students.

Moreover, the 22-24 age group also reflects a notable number of graduate students, especially females, with 19 enrolled. This suggests that a substantial portion of students may be transitioning directly from undergraduate programs to graduate studies, possibly influenced by the increasing complexity of modern job markets that demand higher qualifications.

Interestingly, the data shows no undergraduate male or female students in any of the age categories, indicating a focus on graduate-level education at the institution. This points towards a trend where students may be prioritizing advanced education, possibly driven by career advancement opportunities in fields such as defense, cybersecurity, and engineering, which are critical to national security.

Additionally, the presence of older students, particularly those aged 40-49, who account for 487 male graduate students and 114 female graduate students, highlights the growing acceptance and encouragement of lifelong learning. This trend is vital in today’s fast-evolving job landscape, where continuous education is essential for professional growth.

Overall, the data from the Naval Postgraduate School illustrates a dynamic and diverse student body that is increasingly engaging with advanced education, reflecting broader societal shifts towards lifelong learning and specialization in professional fields.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Graduate students7.5%

183 in 2025 · 8.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 8.3%2017: 7.3%2018: 6.1%2019: 5.2%2020: 4.4%2021: 4.5%2022: 4.8%2023: 6.1%2024: 6.5%2025: 7.5%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the Naval Postgraduate School

The data regarding international students at the Naval Postgraduate School reveals a significant decline in the percentage of graduate students who are international over the years. Starting with 16.92% in 2004, this figure has steadily decreased to just 6.14% by 2023. This downward trend is concerning, especially in the context of the growing importance of global perspectives in higher education and the military.

Several factors could contribute to this decline. First, recent geopolitical tensions and changes in immigration policies may deter international students from pursuing education in the United States. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global mobility, leading to a decrease in international enrollments across many U.S. institutions.

Despite these challenges, the total number of graduate students at the Naval Postgraduate School has varied over the years, indicating fluctuations in interest and enrollment strategies. However, the reductions in international student representation suggest a need for the institution to enhance its outreach and support for international applicants, fostering a more inclusive environment.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the benefits of a diverse student body cannot be overstated. Diversity in education enriches the learning experience and prepares students for collaborative efforts in international security and defense. It is crucial for the Naval Postgraduate School to address these trends and actively work towards attracting a more diverse cohort of graduate students in the coming years.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the Naval Postgraduate School:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research. It is located in Stanford, California, and is known for its strong programs in a variety of disciplines.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15 in the 2024 US News rankings, UC Berkeley is famous for its rigorous academic environment and vibrant campus life. It is a leader in research and is known for its contributions to various fields including science, engineering, and humanities.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th in the 2024 US News standings, UCLA is a prestigious institution known for its diverse student body and strong programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies.

  4. University of California-Santa Barbara - This university holds the 35th rank in 2024 and is recognized for its beautiful campus and exceptional programs in environmental science, engineering, and the humanities.

  5. University of Southern California - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, USC is known for its strong emphasis on research, entrepreneurship, and the arts, making it a dynamic place for students.

  6. California Institute of Technology - Known as Caltech, this institution is ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings and is highly regarded for its engineering and science programs.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and research opportunities, making them excellent choices for students looking to further their education in a vibrant and academically rigorous environment.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Naval Postgraduate School

The crime data from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) from 2013 to 2023 reveals a noteworthy trend: a consistent absence of recorded offenses. Over the span of a decade, the reported statistics indicate that there have been no arrests or disciplinary actions related to gun possession, drug-related activities, alcohol violations, domestic violence, stalking, or any other serious crimes on campus. This zero-crime rate is quite remarkable when compared to many other institutions, where such incidents often occur.

One possible explanation for this positive outcome could be the effective implementation of security measures and community engagement initiatives at NPS. The school may have fostered a culture of safety and accountability among its student body. Additionally, the military background of many students could contribute to a disciplined environment where criminal behavior is less likely to occur.

However, it is also essential to consider that the data may reflect only reported incidents. There could be unreported cases or issues that arise outside of the campus environment, which may not be captured in these statistics. Monitoring these trends is crucial, as understanding the context of crime and safety can help refine policies and enhance the overall campus experience.

Overall, the lack of recorded crime at the Naval Postgraduate School is a positive indicator of campus safety, but it calls for continued vigilance and proactive measures to maintain this standard. For those interested in understanding crime rates and their calculations, further information can be found here.

Notable Alumni

All 62

Notable alumni of Naval Postgraduate School include Bujar Nishani (Former President of Albania, 2012–2017), Eugene Cernan (NASA astronaut, eleventh person to walk on the Moon) and Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14 astronaut, sixth person to walk on the Moon).

See all 62 notable alumni of Naval Postgraduate School →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.