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International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges Under $20,000

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

American Public University System stands out among affordable International Relations and National Security Studies programs, offering graduates median earnings of $47,260 while maintaining costs below $10,000. This online institution attracts many military and security professionals seeking career advancement. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with CUNY Hunter College requiring just $2,446 annually after aid. The field connects directly to federal employment opportunities, particularly in the Washington DC metro area where agencies like the State Department, CIA, and Pentagon actively recruit graduates. California State University-Long Beach achieves a 69.9% graduation rate at $8,931 net cost, while Marshall University accepts nearly 97% of applicants at $8,327 annually. Regional public universities provide accessible pathways into careers spanning diplomatic service, intelligence analysis, and homeland security. The $45,000 gap between lowest and highest earners reflects varied career trajectories, from entry-level government positions to specialized security consulting roles.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $14,295
Net Price Range
$34,327
Avg. Program Earnings
55.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
4 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
5 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
6 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
7 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
8 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
9 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
10 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
11 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
12 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
13 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
14 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
15 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
16 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
17 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
18 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
19 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
20 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
21 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
22 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
23 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
24 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
25 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
26 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
27 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
28 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
29 $12,233 $26,110 44.4% 97.0%
30 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
31 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
32 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
33 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
34 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
35 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
36 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
37 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
38 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
39 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
40 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
41 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
42 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
43 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
44 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
45 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
46 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
47 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
48 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
49 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
50 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes American Public University System unique among affordable International Relations programs?

American Public University System operates as an online institution specifically designed for military and working professionals. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,260, significantly higher than most programs in this price range. The university maintains a 53.2% graduation rate while serving students who often balance studies with active duty or civilian careers. Students complete coursework remotely, making it accessible to those stationed worldwide or working in security-related fields.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 32.8% at College of Staten Island CUNY to 74.6% at University of South Florida. The strongest performers include Florida International University at 73.9% and California State University-Long Beach at 69.9%, both maintaining rates above 65%. CUNY schools show mixed results, with Hunter College achieving 61% while Staten Island struggles at 32.8%. These differences often reflect student demographics, support services, and institutional resources rather than program quality alone.

Where do graduates typically find employment in this field?

Federal agencies represent the largest employment sector, including the State Department, Department of Defense, and intelligence community. Private consulting firms increasingly hire graduates for risk assessment and international business analysis roles. Many alumni pursue careers with nonprofits, think tanks, and international organizations based in major metropolitan areas. Starting salaries range from $28,598 to $47,260, with advancement opportunities leading to senior analyst or policy advisor positions paying significantly more.

Is student debt a significant concern for these programs?

Most programs maintain manageable debt levels, with reported figures ranging from $14,060 at CUNY City College to $18,896 at Fairmont State University. Public universities generally offer better value propositions than private institutions in this field. American Public University System graduates carry $14,947 in debt despite the program being private, reflecting its focus on working professionals who often receive employer tuition assistance. The relatively low debt levels make federal government starting salaries more financially viable for recent graduates.

Does program selectivity affect educational quality in International Relations?

Acceptance rates vary from 39.95% at California State University-Long Beach to 98.49% at Fairmont State University, yet both produce employable graduates. More selective programs often indicate higher demand rather than necessarily superior education quality. Marshall University accepts 96.88% of applicants while maintaining a 48.7% graduation rate, suggesting that success depends more on student commitment than admission selectivity. The field values practical skills and security clearances as much as institutional prestige when hiring.

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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.