2026 Best Value International Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value International Studies programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 433 institutions 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, Grad Degree 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 Studies Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value International Studies school in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. American Public University System International Studies students take on a median of $13,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $13,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median International Studies program debt is $15,117. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley International Studies students take on a median of $15,636 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $15,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
A rank of #4 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Out of the 433 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Texas landed the #5 spot. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas International Studies students take on a median of $21,033 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Kansas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Concordia University Irvine came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
Arizona State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $20,962 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $20,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Wyoming landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $17,375 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $17,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #10 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $14,792 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 33%. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield International Studies students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of Utah ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their International Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Utah
Portland State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Portland State University International Studies students take on a median of $26,475 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Portland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Portland State University profile
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Texas State University San Marcos International Studies students take on a median of $24,313 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $24,313 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus International Studies students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Tufts University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University International Studies students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. More on Tufts University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus International Studies students take on a median of $21,681 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
George Mason University placed #18 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their International Studies program here. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about George Mason University
University Of Massachusetts Lowell landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,966, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,874. That is a strong return on a $25,574 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell profile
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,688. Northeastern University Global Network International Studies students take on a median of $27,055 in debt. Northeastern University Global Network alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
University Of Southern California landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median International Studies program debt is $15,625. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of San Francisco ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Located in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their International Studies program here. University Of San Francisco alumni report median earnings of $89,812 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of San Francisco has an acceptance rate of 62%. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
Northwest University placed #23 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kirkland, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,035. Northwest University International Studies students take on a median of $22,439 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,914. Set against $22,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Northwest University report
Dallas Baptist University placed #24 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Dallas, TX, Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,190. Typical International Studies student debt is $22,819. Dallas Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $56,807 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Dallas Baptist University profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. The median International Studies program debt is $19,891. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $99,980. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Arizona placed #26 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Florida International University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. The median International Studies program debt is $19,349. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Michigan State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University International Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
Brandeis University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waltham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Graduates carry a median of $25,694 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brandeis University
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,324 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,652. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies International Studies students take on a median of $22,366 in debt. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies report
University Of Denver came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,155 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Denver
University Of Maine ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Students borrow a median of $25,984 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $25,984 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Maine
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Colby College
Colby College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read the full report on Colby College
Idaho State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. More on Idaho State University
Belhaven University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Belhaven University
Hampshire College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about Hampshire College
Ohio Wesleyan University placed #39 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Ohio Wesleyan University report
University Of Maine At Farmington came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Maine At Farmington
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Get the full Lehigh University report
Manhattan College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. More on Manhattan College
Western Michigan University placed #43 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Western Michigan University
Cedar Crest College placed #44 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Cedar Crest College report
Centre College
Centre College placed #45 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read the full report on Centre College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Morgan State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Morgan State University
University Of Florida placed #48 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Florida
Bryant University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Bryant University
George Fox University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Read more about George Fox University
Best Value International Studies Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value International Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value International Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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 433 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.