2026 Best Value International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value International Relations National Security master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 449 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Webster University, our #1 best-value International Relations National Security school in the United States. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Webster University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. 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. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Webster University profile
You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #2 this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Out of the 449 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Angelo State University landed the #3 spot. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $11,066. Median earnings reach $50,116 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,066 median debt. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Angelo State University profile
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #5 on this year's best-value International Relations National Security ranking in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $20,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Marquette University
Norwich University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,740. Graduates carry a median of $16,850 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,575. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Norwich University
University Of North Georgia landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,135. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full University Of North Georgia report
Institute Of World Politics offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Washington, DC, Institute Of World Politics is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Institute Of World Politics
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $17,101. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
St Marys University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,040 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full St Marys University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison International Relations National Security students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $20,031. 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%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #15 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. 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. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Prescott, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,974. Students borrow a median of $22,901 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. That is a strong return on a $22,901 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott admits about 77% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $20,672 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $20,672 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Rice University
Yale University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Yale University
Bellevue University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $27,852. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Get the full Bellevue University report
George Washington University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. George Washington University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
Central Michigan University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Troy University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Troy, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,176, compared with $20,352 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,439 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Troy University alumni report median earnings of $42,062 a decade after entry. Set against $26,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Troy University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,323. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Relations National Security Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Stanford University placed #26 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Arizona ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $21,861. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Georgia came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Morgan State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $30,309. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Morgan State University report
San Diego State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $17,134 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $17,134 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $15,420 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,678 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
San Francisco State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. San Francisco State University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $16,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about San Francisco State University
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Duke University International Relations National Security students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. See the full Duke University profile
Kansas State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,546. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $25,836. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
Depaul University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $21,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Depaul University
Johns Hopkins University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,688. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $27,055. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeastern University Global Network profile
Harvard University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Harvard University
Northeastern University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $21,125 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about Northeastern University
East Carolina University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $24,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full East Carolina University profile
California State University San Bernardino placed #43 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. California State University San Bernardino is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. California State University San Bernardino alumni report median earnings of $59,977 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University San Bernardino report
Georgetown University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. The median International Relations National Security program debt is $17,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgetown University
Fordham University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,843 in student loans. Fordham University alumni report median earnings of $85,569 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,843 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of North Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Jacksonville, FL. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,523 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. The acceptance rate is 53%. More on University Of North Florida
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #47 among the best-value International Relations National Security schools in the United States. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $19,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Typical International Relations National Security student debt is $23,250. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full American University report
Tufts University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Relations National Security schools. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Students borrow a median of $16,375 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Tufts University
University Of Florida came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their International Relations National Security program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Florida report
Related International Relations National Security Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Relations National Security Graduate Certificate 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. The methodology weighs 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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