2026 Best Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value International Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 433 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $13,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #2 on this year's best-value International Studies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $15,117. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,636 to complete their International Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical International Studies student debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,033 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $21,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their International Studies program here. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Concordia University Irvine ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. The median International Studies program debt is $26,085. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Irvine
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming International Studies students take on a median of $17,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical International Studies student debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Utah landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. University Of Utah International Studies students take on a median of $25,611 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara International Studies students take on a median of $14,792 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,792 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
Arizona State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,962 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $20,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #12 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median International Studies program debt is $24,313. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $24,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #14 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $21,681 in student loans. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $21,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
George Mason University placed #15 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University International Studies students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on George Mason University
Northeastern University Global Network placed #16 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Northeastern University Global Network International Studies students take on a median of $27,055 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
University Of Southern California landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. University Of Southern California International Studies students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Get the full University Of Southern California report
University Of San Francisco landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. Typical International Studies student debt is $23,935. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,935 median debt. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
Northwest University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Northwest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kirkland, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,035. Graduates carry a median of $22,439 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest University
Dallas Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $40,190 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,807 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dallas Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Dallas Baptist University
University Of Notre Dame placed #21 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,891 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
University Of Arizona placed #22 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their International Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arizona
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Typical International Studies student debt is $19,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida International University
Brandeis University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,694 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,231 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. Get the full Brandeis University report
University Of Oregon landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. University Of Oregon International Studies students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Oregon profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value International Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Kirkland, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,652. Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies International Studies students take on a median of $22,366 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies profile
University Of Denver came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. The median International Studies program debt is $22,534. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Denver
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Typical International Studies student debt is $25,984. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,653 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,984 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maine profile
Doane College Crete landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Morehouse College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Morehouse College
University Of Sacred Heart placed #31 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Sacred Heart report
Western Michigan University placed #32 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University Of South Alabama ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. More on University Of South Alabama
Arkansas Tech University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Arkansas Tech University report
Hood College
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Get the full Hood College report
Madison Area Technical College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
North Central College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Get the full North Central College report
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. See the full Temple University profile
University Of Delaware placed #39 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Northwest Vista College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Read the full report on Northwest Vista College
Warren Wilson College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Get the full Warren Wilson College report
Endicott College
Endicott College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read more about Endicott College
Roger Williams University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Read the full report on Roger Williams University
St Marys University placed #44 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read more about St Marys University
California State University San Marcos ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. More on California State University San Marcos
Idaho State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Idaho State University
Indiana Wesleyan University placed #47 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University
North Park University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value International Studies schools. Read more about North Park University
Point Park University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Point Park University profile
Rockford College
Rockford College placed #50 among the best-value International Studies schools in the United States. More on Rockford College
Related International Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value International Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (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 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.