2026 Best Value International Relations National Security Schools
Looking for the best-value International Relations National Security programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 449 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 Relations National Security Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Webster University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Webster University
A rank of #4 makes Bellevue University one of the best values in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bellevue University profile
Out of the 449 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Angelo State University landed the #5 spot. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $11,066. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Angelo State University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $25,450. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,450 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
Villanova University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $26,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,624. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of North Georgia ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #13 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Eastern Michigan University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $28,781. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,783. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Institute Of World Politics ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Read more about Institute Of World Politics
University Of California San Diego came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego International Relations National Security students take on a median of $17,101 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California San Diego
St Marys University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Marys University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on St Marys University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $16,481. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Southern Indiana came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Evansville, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,605. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. See the full University Of Southern Indiana profile
Claremont Mckenna College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,980. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,736. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read more about Claremont Mckenna College
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Relations National Security Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Grand Valley State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Suny College At Cortland offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,874, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Graduates carry a median of $25,369 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Cortland admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Suny College At Cortland report
Texas Tech University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Florida International University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $18,637. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Florida International University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $26,513. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Florida State University placed #34 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Florida State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $17,767 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $17,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. See the full Florida State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Rice University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $11,904. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants. More on Rice University
Missouri Southern State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $22,241. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,620. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $18,460. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Set against $18,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about James Madison University
University Of Memphis came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis International Relations National Security students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of Memphis
Norwich University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Norwich University is a private not-for-profit school based in Northfield, VT. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,740. Norwich University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $16,850 in debt. Norwich University alumni report median earnings of $65,575 a decade after entry. Set against $16,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Norwich University has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full Norwich University profile
Suny College At Brockport landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Suny College At Brockport International Relations National Security students take on a median of $24,757 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants. More on Suny College At Brockport
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #41 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Suny At Geneseo landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Geneseo, NY, Suny At Geneseo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,999, while out-of-state students pay about $19,569. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $21,519. Median earnings reach $67,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny At Geneseo
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Wright State University Main Campus International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,836 in debt. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
Suny College At Oneonta came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $17,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,386. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Suny College At Oneonta profile
The College Of New Jersey came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. The College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Ewing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,952. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. Set against $24,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Georgia Southern University placed #47 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Students borrow a median of $25,008 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $25,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Southern University
Harvard University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on Harvard University
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #47 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,321. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,351. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Central Oklahoma profile
York College Pennsylvania landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
Troy University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in Troy, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $26,439. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,062. That is a strong return on a $26,439 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Troy University profile
San Francisco State University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full San Francisco State University profile
Best Value International Relations National Security Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value International Relations National Security Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security 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 449 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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