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2026 Best International Studies Schools

2026 Best International Studies Schools

Looking for the best International Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 433 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 International Studies Schools in the United States

Explore the leading schools below:

#1

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

No school ranked higher than University Of Pennsylvania this year in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#2

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Carnegie Mellon University landed the #2 spot. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. The median International Studies program debt is $23,529. More on Carnegie Mellon University

#3

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Tufts University landed the #3 spot. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete their International Studies program here. Read the full report on Tufts University

#4

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Northern Iowa landed the #4 spot. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $22,635. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report

The strong International Studies programs at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. The median International Studies program debt is $15,117. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#6

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #6 among International Studies schools in the United States. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,891 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame

University Of California Berkeley landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median International Studies program debt is $15,636. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

#8

Bentley University

Waltham, MA

Bentley University placed #8 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Waltham, MA, Bentley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Bentley University graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,000. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their International Studies program here. See the full Bentley University profile

University Of Southern California placed #9 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their International Studies program here. Read more about University Of Southern California

#10

George Fox University

Newberg, OR

George Fox University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. George Fox University is a private not-for-profit school based in Newberg, OR. About 72% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,320. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,324. See the full George Fox University profile

#11

Colby College

Waterville, ME

Colby College placed #11 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Waterville, ME, Colby College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,600. Students borrow a median of $22,016 to complete their International Studies program here. More on Colby College

University Of California San Diego did well this year, earning the #12 position. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. More on University Of California San Diego

Washington University In St Louis ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. The median International Studies program debt is $20,250. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical International Studies student debt is $12,000. More on University Of California Los Angeles

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical International Studies student debt is $18,535. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical International Studies student debt is $14,792. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#17

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Get the full Boston College report

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,053 in student loans. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report

#19

Miami University Oxford

Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford placed #19 among International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Miami University Oxford graduates 80% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Get the full Miami University Oxford report

Grand Valley State University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $26,378. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their International Studies program here. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#22

University Of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond came in at #22 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in University of Richmond, VA. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. University Of Richmond International Studies students take on a median of $21,634 in debt. More on University Of Richmond

#24

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Located in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,694. Get the full Brandeis University report

American Public University System came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. American Public University System graduates 47% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Students borrow a median of $13,125 to complete their International Studies program here. Get the full American Public University System report

Southern Methodist University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Typical International Studies student debt is $20,712. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University

Rest of the Top 50 Best International Studies Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:

Washington State University placed #27 among International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their International Studies program here. More on Washington State University

#28

College Of The Holy Cross

Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross did well this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. College Of The Holy Cross graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,500. Typical International Studies student debt is $23,000. Read more about College Of The Holy Cross

Baldwin Wallace College came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. Typical International Studies student debt is $27,307. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report

University Of California Irvine placed #30 among International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical International Studies student debt is $15,250. See the full University Of California Irvine profile

#31

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University placed #31 among International Studies schools in the United States. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. See the full San Jose State University profile

#32

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University placed #32 among International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University International Studies students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Get the full George Mason University report

Arizona State University Skysong came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median International Studies program debt is $21,966. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #34 among International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison International Studies students take on a median of $20,469 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh International Studies students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder

#37

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Students borrow a median of $23,545 to complete their International Studies program here. More on Salisbury University

University Of Nebraska Lincoln did well this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

#39

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #39 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,046 in student loans. Read more about Drexel University

University Of Colorado Denver did well this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. University Of Colorado Denver posts a six-year graduation rate of 46%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Students borrow a median of $24,618 to complete their International Studies program here. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,628 to complete their International Studies program here. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#42

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #42 among International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University International Studies students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. More on Texas Tech University

University Of Central Florida placed #43 among International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. About 78% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Florida International Studies students take on a median of $20,142 in debt. Get the full University Of Central Florida report

#44

Providence College

Providence, RI

Providence College did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,550. Providence College International Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Providence College

Arizona State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $20,962 to complete their International Studies program here. Read the full report on Arizona State University

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,372. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#47

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #47 among International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median International Studies program debt is $23,608. See the full University Of Kansas profile

University Of Massachusetts Boston landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boston, MA. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $26,236. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Boston

#49

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical International Studies student debt is $24,199. Read the full report on University Of Dayton

#50

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University placed #50 among International Studies schools in the United States. Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Malibu, CA. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,918. The median International Studies program debt is $26,000. Read more about Pepperdine University

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile

Best International Studies Schools by Degree Level

Explore rankings for a specific degree level:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 433 ranked schools only.

References

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