Skip to main content

International/Global Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

American Public University System stands apart in the International/Global Studies market with graduates earning $56,484 annually, nearly double the field average of $29,685 at Brigham Young University-Idaho. This online institution attracts students seeking flexible degree options while maintaining competitive costs at $9,104 net price. The earnings gap reflects the growing demand for global affairs expertise in government contracting and international business sectors concentrated around Washington D.C. Public universities dominate this field, with 13 of 15 schools offering in-state tuition advantages. University of Florida delivers strong value with 91.50% graduation rates and $6,351 net costs, while California State University-Long Beach balances affordability at $8,931 with strong 69.90% completion rates. The national job market for international studies graduates continues expanding as multinational corporations and federal agencies seek professionals who understand cross-cultural communication and global policy frameworks.
50
Programs
$4,536 – $13,780
Net Price Range
$31,969
Avg. Program Earnings
54.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 International/Global Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,536 $6,916 61.8% 75.4%
2 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
3 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
4 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
5 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
6 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
7 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
8 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
9 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
10 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
11 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
12 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
13 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
14 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
15 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
16 $10,191 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
17 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
18 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
19 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
20 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
21 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
22 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
23 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
24 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
25 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
26 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
27 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
28 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
29 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
30 $12,391 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
31 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
32 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
33 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
34 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
35 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
36 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
37 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
38 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
39 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
40 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
41 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
42 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
43 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
44 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
45 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
46 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
47 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
48 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
49 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
50 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $31,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

American Public University System graduates earn $56,484 compared to $25,194 at University of Florida, reflecting different career trajectories and geographic factors. The online format at APUS attracts working professionals in government and defense sectors who can leverage existing experience. University of Florida graduates often pursue entry-level positions or graduate school, explaining the lower initial earnings despite the school's 91.50% graduation rate.

How do graduation rates vary between different cost tiers?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better completion rates in this field. University of Florida achieves 91.50% graduation at $6,351 net cost, while Chicago State University manages only 16.90% completion despite $10,133 costs. California State University-Long Beach maintains solid 69.90% rates at $8,931, suggesting that institutional support matters more than price point for student success.

Is attending a California State University campus worth the investment for out-of-state students?

California's three CSU programs show mixed value propositions for non-residents. Cal State Long Beach offers strong 69.90% graduation rates but charges full out-of-state tuition. San Bernardino accepts 91.08% of applicants with moderate 54.70% completion rates, while Channel Islands maintains 89.65% acceptance but only 53.50% graduation rates, suggesting careful program research is essential.

Does program selectivity correlate with graduate debt levels?

University of Florida combines high selectivity (23.35% acceptance) with low debt burdens of $11,625, proving competitive programs can remain financially accessible. California State University-Long Beach maintains moderate selectivity at 39.95% acceptance with $15,000 average debt. American Public University System shows higher debt at $22,282 despite open enrollment, reflecting the for-profit model's financial structure.

Where can students find the best combination of low costs and strong outcomes?

University of Florida delivers unmatched value with $6,351 net costs and 91.50% graduation rates, though admission remains competitive at 23.35% acceptance. Florida International University offers accessible excellence with 73.90% completion rates, $9,133 costs, and 63.86% acceptance rates. New College of Florida provides the lowest costs at $4,536 but recent institutional changes create uncertainty about program stability.

More International/Global Studies Rankings

Cheapest International/Global Studies Best Value International/Global Studies

Related

All International/Global Studies Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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