Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Brigham Young University-Hawaii stands out among affordable Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies programs with the most selective admissions at just 34.21% acceptance, while other schools like Wichita State University welcome over 94% of applicants. The $13,884 net cost at BYU-Hawaii rivals public institutions despite its private status. California State University-Los Angeles offers the lowest barrier to entry at $4,113 net cost annually. These programs prepare graduates for careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and multinational corporations where cultural competency drives hiring decisions. The federal government alone employs over 50,000 diversity and inclusion specialists across agencies. With graduation rates spanning from 20.5% at Randall University to 63.6% at California State University-Chico, institutional support varies significantly. Students can expect starting salaries around $25,194 based on University of Idaho data, reflecting entry-level positions in community outreach and cultural programming roles.

Programs

$4,113 – $19,983

Net Price Range

$25,194

Avg. Program Earnings

51.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$4,113	$6,813	52.6%	86.9%
2	Wichita State University Wichita, Kansas	$13,776	$9,322	51.4%	94.9%
3	University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho	$13,782	$8,816	60.9%	73.9%
4	Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, Hawaii	$13,884	$6,438	54.4%	34.2%
5	Fresno Pacific University Fresno, California	$14,317	$35,558	55.9%	75.0%
6	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
7	California State University-Chico Chico, California	$14,838	$8,064	63.6%	95.0%
8	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
9	Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan	$16,041	$14,190	61.8%	79.0%
10	Randall University Moore, Oklahoma	$16,474	$17,322	20.5%	42.9%
11	William Carey University Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$17,052	$14,685	40.8%	53.6%
12	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, Pennsylvania	$17,216	$11,380	52.4%	91.9%
13	Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado	$17,339	$9,670	43.1%	91.0%
14	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
15	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945	$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
16	University of Mobile Mobile, Alabama	$19,603	$26,120	55.5%	84.1%
17	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
18	Southern Wesleyan University Central, South Carolina	$19,968	$27,870	52.0%	51.2%
19	Welch College Gallatin, Tennessee	$19,983	$20,796	61.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

California State University-Los Angeles costs just $4,113 annually while Fresno Pacific University reaches $14,317, reflecting the difference between public and private funding models. Public institutions receive state subsidies that dramatically reduce student costs. The $10,204 difference represents the premium students pay for smaller class sizes and specialized resources at private colleges. Even among public schools, costs vary based on state funding levels and regional economic factors.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Higher-priced programs don't guarantee better outcomes, as evidenced by Randall University's 20.5% graduation rate despite charging $16,474 annually. California State University-Chico achieves a 63.6% graduation rate at $14,838, demonstrating superior student support systems. Fort Lewis College graduates only 43.1% of students while charging $17,339, suggesting institutional challenges beyond just affordability. The data shows that program structure and student services matter more than tuition levels.

Is the $25,194 starting salary realistic for this field nationwide?

The University of Idaho reports $25,194 in early career earnings, which aligns with entry-level positions in community relations and cultural programming. Graduates often start in nonprofit organizations or government agencies where mission-driven work compensates for modest starting salaries. Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years as professionals develop specialized expertise in organizational diversity initiatives. Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential, with urban markets offering higher compensation.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Intercultural Studies?

Brigham Young University-Hawaii's 34.21% acceptance rate reflects institutional selectivity rather than program quality alone, as their unique Pacific location attracts global applicants. Wichita State University admits 94.85% of applicants yet maintains a respectable 51.4% graduation rate, indicating strong support systems for varied student populations. Open-access institutions often serve students who wouldn't otherwise pursue higher education, making their mission different from selective colleges. Program effectiveness depends more on faculty expertise and internship opportunities than admission standards.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.