2026 Best Value International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value International Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value International Studies school in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $13,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $13,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #2 on this year's best-value International Studies ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. 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. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $22,635 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong International Studies students take on a median of $21,966 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,966 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
A rank of #5 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full National University profile
Grand Valley State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,378 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus International Studies students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point International Studies students take on a median of $25,372 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,372 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
San Jose State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Midwestern State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Midwestern State University International Studies students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Midwestern State University
Salisbury University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $23,545. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $23,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Salisbury University report
University Of North Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,343 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,625 median debt. University Of North Florida has an acceptance rate of 53%. Get the full University Of North Florida report
University Of Central Florida ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $20,142 in student loans. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Florida
Winona State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Western Michigan University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median International Studies program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median International Studies program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
California State University Monterey Bay ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. California State University Monterey Bay is a public school based in Seaside, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,779 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $14,093. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about California State University Monterey Bay
Saint Cloud State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their International Studies program here. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Tarleton State University placed #22 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $53,040 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Tarleton State University profile
University Of Wyoming placed #23 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,375 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
California State University Long Beach landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $15,454 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,454 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical International Studies student debt is $26,738. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical International Studies student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. 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 ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $24,618. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Set against $24,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of North Texas came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,033 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of North Texas
George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,320 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,324 to complete their International Studies program here. George Fox University alumni report median earnings of $59,761 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,324 median debt. George Fox University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on George Fox University
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their International Studies program here. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington alumni report median earnings of $54,967 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
University Of California Berkeley came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median International Studies program debt is $15,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $15,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. The median International Studies program debt is $20,527. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Set against $20,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Liberty University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University International Studies students take on a median of $22,914 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,914 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of Alaska Anchorage landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public school based in Anchorage, AK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $21,787. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,871. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. Read more about University Of Alaska Anchorage
Wright State University Main Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical International Studies student debt is $32,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. That is a strong return on a $32,500 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wright State University Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #36 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median International Studies program debt is $21,681. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Miami University Oxford landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Miami University Oxford
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #39 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of South Alabama ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. University Of South Alabama alumni report median earnings of $49,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Alabama
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos International Studies students take on a median of $24,313 in debt. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $24,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Carnegie Mellon University placed #42 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Kansas ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Kansas report
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania International Studies students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Utah came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median International Studies program debt is $25,611. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,962 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $20,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
Arkansas Tech University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,257 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,766 ten years out. Set against $23,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
University Of California San Diego came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical International Studies student debt is $16,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical International Studies student debt is $12,000. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their International Studies program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $18,535 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $12,000. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Related International Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value International Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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