2026 Best International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best International Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 433 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
University Of Pennsylvania earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median International Studies program debt is $16,155. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
You'll be in good company at Carnegie Mellon University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Carnegie Mellon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical International Studies student debt is $23,529. More on Carnegie Mellon University
You'll be in good company at University Of Notre Dame, which ranked #3 this year. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. The median International Studies program debt is $19,891. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
The strong International Studies programs at American Public University System earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. American Public University System posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Typical International Studies student debt is $13,125. Read more about American Public University System
You'll be in good company at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,635 in student loans. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #6 in this year's ranking. 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 average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $15,636 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Bentley University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. Get the full Bentley University report
George Fox University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. George Fox University posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,320. Students borrow a median of $25,324 to complete their International Studies program here. See the full George Fox University profile
Colby College did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Waterville, ME, Colby College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $69,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,016 to complete their International Studies program here. See the full Colby College profile
University Of California San Diego landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Washington University In St Louis did well this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their International Studies program here. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles International Studies students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. More on University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median International Studies program debt is $18,535. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,792 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Boston College did well this year, earning the #15 position. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Boston College International Studies students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Read the full report on Boston College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median International Studies program debt is $15,053. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
Grand Valley State University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Grand Valley State University International Studies students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Miami University Oxford ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Miami University Oxford posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #19 among International Studies schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station International Studies students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Richmond placed #20 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $65,230 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,634 in student loans. Read more about University Of Richmond
Brandeis University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Located in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brandeis University graduates 86% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Students borrow a median of $25,694 to complete their International Studies program here. Read more about Brandeis University
Southern Methodist University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. More on Southern Methodist University
University Of Southern California placed #24 among International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median International Studies program debt is $15,625. Get the full University Of Southern California report
College Of The Holy Cross came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located 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 average $64,500. The median International Studies program debt is $23,000. Read more about College Of The Holy Cross
Baldwin Wallace College did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. The median International Studies program debt is $27,307. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Rest of the Top 50 Best International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #27 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $15,250. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
San Jose State University landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
Arizona State University Skysong did well this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $21,966 in student loans. More on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,469 to complete their International Studies program here. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
Salisbury University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Salisbury University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Students borrow a median of $23,545 to complete their International Studies program here. Read the full report on Salisbury University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical International Studies student debt is $20,500. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Drexel University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $29,046 in student loans. Read the full report on Drexel University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #35 among International Studies schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Denver, CO. About 46% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. The median International Studies program debt is $24,618. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical International Studies student debt is $21,628. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas Tech University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University International Studies students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Central Florida placed #39 among International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $20,142 in student loans. More on University Of Central Florida
Providence College landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Providence College graduates 86% of students 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. Read the full report on Providence College
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point did well this year, earning the #41 position. Set 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $25,372. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #42 among International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. University Of Massachusetts Boston posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their International Studies program here. More on University Of Massachusetts Boston
Arizona State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $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. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Dayton did well this year, earning the #44 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Students borrow a median of $24,199 to complete their International Studies program here. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Pepperdine University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Pepperdine University graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,918. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their International Studies program here. Read more about Pepperdine University
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #46 among International Studies schools in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. About 64% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,153. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Kansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median International Studies program debt is $23,608. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville did well this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median International Studies program debt is $23,917. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Utah landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their International Studies program here. More on University Of Utah
National University did well this year, earning the #50 position. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University International Studies students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. More on National University
University Of Florida ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best International Studies schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median International Studies program debt is $12,000. Read more about University Of Florida
Related International Studies Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best International Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best International Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best International Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best International Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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