2026 Best Value International Relations National Security Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

For return on investment, no school beat Webster University this year in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Webster University profile

#2

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Villanova University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $26,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full Villanova University report

#3

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Out of the 449 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #3 spot. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#4

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska At Omaha earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $21,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile

#5

Institute Of World Politics

Washington, DC

Institute Of World Politics came in at #5 on this year's best-value International Relations National Security ranking in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Institute Of World Politics profile

#6

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile

#7

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Harvard University profile

#8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #8 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. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#9

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah International Relations National Security students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Utah

#10

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. Get the full Duke University report

#11

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $22,000. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report

#12

Wright State University Main Campus

Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile

#13

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University

#14

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $26,030 in student loans. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,030 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on University Of Iowa

#15

Fordham University

Bronx, NY

Fordham University placed #15 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $25,843. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. Set against $25,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full Fordham University report

#16

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $16,191. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Utah State University

#17

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

Southern New Hampshire University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $17,200 in tuition and fees. Southern New Hampshire University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $29,103 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,318 ten years out. Set against $29,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern New Hampshire University

#18

American University

Washington, DC

American University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,370. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on American University

#18

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #18 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh International Relations National Security students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#20

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee International Relations National Security students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee

#21

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about George Mason University

#22

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $24,443 in student loans. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. Set against $24,443 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Syracuse University profile

#23

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $17,553. Median earnings reach $86,182 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington University In St Louis

#24

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oakland University

#24

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago placed #24 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. University Of Chicago International Relations National Security students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full University Of Chicago report

#26

Monterey Institute Of International Studies

Monterey, CA

Monterey Institute Of International Studies ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Monterey Institute Of International Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Monterey, CA. Students from in state pay about $48,654 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,310. More on Monterey Institute Of International Studies

#27

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University placed #27 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,650. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $29,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Regent University report

#28

St Johns University New York

Queens, NY

St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,529 in tuition and fees. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $25,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,571. That is a strong return on a $25,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on St Johns University New York

#29

Long Island University C W Post Campus

Brookville, NY

Long Island University C W Post Campus placed #29 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brookville, NY. Students from in state pay about $42,432 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $25,211. Long Island University C W Post Campus alumni report median earnings of $59,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,211 median debt. Long Island University C W Post Campus admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Long Island University C W Post Campus

#30

Mary Baldwin College

Mary Baldwin College placed #30 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. See the full Mary Baldwin College profile

#31

Cornell College

Cornell College placed #31 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. More on Cornell College

#32

Florida State University

Florida State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Read more about Florida State University

#33

Principia College

Principia College placed #33 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Get the full Principia College report

#34

University Of Hartford

University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. See the full University Of Hartford profile

#35

Connecticut College

Connecticut College placed #35 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Get the full Connecticut College report

#36

Drake University

Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read the full report on Drake University

#37

Norwich University

Norwich University placed #37 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Read more about Norwich University

#38

Baldwin Wallace College

Baldwin Wallace College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Baldwin Wallace College

#39

Brenau University

Brenau University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. More on Brenau University

#40

Minnesota State University Mankato

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato

#41

Whitworth University

Whitworth University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Whitworth University

#42

Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Read the full report on Fairmont State University

#43

California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full California Lutheran University profile

#44

Rhodes College

Rhodes College placed #44 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Read more about Rhodes College

#45

Cuny College Of Staten Island

Cuny College Of Staten Island landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Cuny College Of Staten Island profile

#46

University Of Pennsylvania

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#47

The College Of New Jersey

The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on The College Of New Jersey

#48

The University Of Alabama

The University Of Alabama ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Get the full The University Of Alabama report

#49

University Of Miami

University Of Miami offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read the full report on University Of Miami

#50

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report