2026 Best Value International Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value International Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 433 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value International Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value International Studies programs schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #2 spot. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Northern Iowa earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa International Studies students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong International Studies students take on a median of $21,966 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
National University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National University
Grand Valley State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their International Studies program here. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus International Studies students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median International Studies program debt is $25,372. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,372 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
San Jose State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their International Studies program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Midwestern State University placed #12 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Salisbury University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. Set against $23,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Salisbury University
University Of North Florida came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Students borrow a median of $18,625 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. Set against $18,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Florida has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read the full report on University Of North Florida
University Of Central Florida landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Typical International Studies student debt is $20,142. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,142 median debt. University Of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40%. More on University Of Central Florida
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical International Studies student debt is $24,551. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Western Michigan University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median International Studies program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Michigan University
Washington State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
Texas Tech University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median International Studies program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median International Studies program debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
California State University Monterey Bay landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,779 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Typical International Studies student debt is $14,093. Median earnings reach $59,247 ten years out. Set against $14,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
Saint Cloud State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Tarleton State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. That is a strong return on a $23,222 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Tarleton State University
University Of North Texas placed #26 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical International Studies student debt is $21,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $21,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. The median International Studies program debt is $17,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Studies Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
California State University Long Beach placed #28 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. California State University Long Beach International Studies students take on a median of $15,454 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee International Studies students take on a median of $26,738 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $20,500. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. That is a strong return on a $24,618 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newberg, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,320. The median International Studies program debt is $25,324. Median earnings reach $59,761 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,324 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on George Fox University
University Of California Berkeley placed #33 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley International Studies students take on a median of $15,636 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Typical International Studies student debt is $18,750. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington alumni report median earnings of $54,967 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. More on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
University Of Kansas placed #35 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Concordia University Irvine International Studies students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,083 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,527 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,527 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Alaska Anchorage ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public school based in Anchorage, AK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. Students borrow a median of $21,787 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,871. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Liberty University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median International Studies program debt is $22,914. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $22,914 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
Miami University Oxford landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oxford, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Miami University Oxford International Studies students take on a median of $24,177 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Wright State University Main Campus placed #43 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Students borrow a median of $32,500 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. That is a strong return on a $32,500 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #44 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus International Studies students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Arizona State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University International Studies students take on a median of $20,962 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of South Alabama ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. The median International Studies program debt is $26,513. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Alabama report
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $24,313 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Set against $24,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus International Studies students take on a median of $21,681 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $21,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Tufts University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. The median International Studies program debt is $17,074. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. More on Tufts University
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. More on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Utah came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
Arkansas Tech University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Based in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Arkansas Tech University International Studies students take on a median of $23,257 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,766. Set against $23,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Arkansas Tech University
Best Value International Studies Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value International Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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