2026 Best Value International Relations National Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value International Relations National Security bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 449 schools 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 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 Relations National Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 449 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bellevue University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bellevue University
You'll get strong value at Angelo State University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $11,066. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. 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
University Of North Georgia came in at #4 on this year's best-value International Relations National Security ranking in the United States. Located in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Out of the 449 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Duluth International Relations National Security students take on a median of $24,624 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $25,260. 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. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Eastern Michigan University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $28,781. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Central Michigan University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $27,000. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Saint Cloud State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
University Of Southern Indiana offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,999. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Southern Indiana
Claremont Mckenna College landed the #11 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. Median earnings reach $104,736 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. See the full Claremont Mckenna College profile
Grand Valley State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Suny College At Cortland landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. Suny College At Cortland International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,369 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,236. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile
Liberty University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Florida International University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $18,637 in student loans. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Florida International University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus International Relations National Security students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Florida State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,767 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $17,767 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Webster University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $25,939. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Webster University profile
James Madison University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Graduates carry a median of $18,460 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Set against $18,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on James Madison University
University Of Memphis ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $26,315. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Suny College At Brockport ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, with out-of-state students paying around $15,822. Students borrow a median of $24,757 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,496. Set against $24,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny College At Brockport
Suny At Geneseo landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Geneseo, NY, Suny At Geneseo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,999, compared with $19,569 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,519. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,316. That is a strong return on a $21,519 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny At Geneseo profile
Suny College At Oneonta placed #25 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $17,125 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,386. Set against $17,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Oneonta admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Relations National Security Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
The College Of New Jersey ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $24,952. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. Set against $24,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Georgia Southern University placed #27 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $25,008. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $25,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
San Francisco State University placed #28 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
York College Pennsylvania landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $26,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Cuny City College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $13,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,039 ten years after entry. Set against $13,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Cuny City College profile
The University Of West Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Graduates carry a median of $14,799 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of West Florida report
Stanford University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
San Diego State University placed #32 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,134 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $17,134 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of Georgia came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia
Indiana University Southeast landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Albany, IN, Indiana University Southeast is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $23,981 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,981 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Southeast
Niagara University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,345. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $26,208. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,196 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,208 median debt. Niagara University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Niagara University
California State University Chico came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $15,095. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Chico
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $24,323. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Albright College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Reading, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $29,082. Students borrow a median of $28,958 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Albright College alumni report median earnings of $58,700 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,958 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Albright College profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,343 in student loans. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Northern Arizona University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $20,632. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. That is a strong return on a $20,632 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Arizona University
East Tennessee State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,301. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full East Tennessee State University profile
Cleveland State University placed #43 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Cleveland State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Cleveland State University
Lindenwood University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Yale University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Yale University profile
Washington State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
Northern Kentucky University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Students borrow a median of $25,572 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,220 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Northern Kentucky University
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $26,030. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $26,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on University Of Iowa
Pomona College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Claremont, CA, Pomona College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,420. Median earnings reach $77,779 ten years out. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted. See the full Pomona College profile
Mercer University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,565. Graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercer University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Get the full Mercer University report
Related International Relations National Security Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value International Relations National Security Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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