2026 Best Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value International Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 433 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 analyzed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Students borrow a median of $13,125 to complete their International Studies program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Set against $13,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #2 spot. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical International Studies student debt is $15,636. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
You'll get strong value at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical International Studies student debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
University Of North Texas came in at #5 on this year's best-value International Studies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median International Studies program debt is $21,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of Kansas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kansas
Concordia University Irvine landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Concordia University Irvine International Studies students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
University Of Wyoming came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical International Studies student debt is $17,375. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $17,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield International Studies students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Utah came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. The median International Studies program debt is $14,792. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $14,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Arizona State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median International Studies program debt is $20,962. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median International Studies program debt is $24,313. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,313 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,681 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $21,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
George Mason University placed #15 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their International Studies program here. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Mason University profile
Northeastern University Global Network landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. The median International Studies program debt is $27,055. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%. Get the full University Of Southern California report
University Of San Francisco landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. The median International Studies program debt is $23,935. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,812. That is a strong return on a $23,935 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of San Francisco report
Northwest University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Northwest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kirkland, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,035. The median International Studies program debt is $22,439. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. That is a strong return on a $22,439 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwest University
Dallas Baptist University placed #20 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,190. Graduates carry a median of $22,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,807 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dallas Baptist University profile
University Of Notre Dame placed #21 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Typical International Studies student debt is $19,891. University Of Notre Dame alumni report median earnings of $99,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. University Of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
University Of Arizona ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
Florida International University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Brandeis University placed #24 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,080. Graduates carry a median of $25,694 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about Brandeis University
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,652. The median International Studies program debt is $22,366. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies
University Of Denver placed #27 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. Typical International Studies student debt is $22,534. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Denver
University Of Maine came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median International Studies program debt is $25,984. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full University Of Maine profile
Wichita State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Wichita State University profile
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. See the full California State University Monterey Bay profile
Randolph College
Randolph College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Get the full Randolph College report
University Of Iowa landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Iowa
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Southern Adventist University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Southern Adventist University
California State University East Bay landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. More on California State University East Bay
Westminster College Pa came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
College Of Southern Nevada ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. More on College Of Southern Nevada
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Western Oregon University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Western Oregon University profile
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Get the full Minnesota State College Southeast Technical report
The Community College Of Baltimore County came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full The Community College Of Baltimore County report
University Of New Orleans ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. More on University Of New Orleans
University Of South Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full University Of South Alabama report
Gettysburg College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. More on Gettysburg College
Kent State University At Kent came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
University Of Toledo landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Toledo
Michigan State University placed #48 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Purdue University Global offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Purdue University Global
Lebanon Valley College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. See the full Lebanon Valley College profile
Related International Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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