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International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges Under $30,000

Programs with net price under $30,000. See our methodology.

American Public University System in Charles Town stands out among affordable International Relations and National Security Studies programs with graduates earning $47,260 annually, nearly $20,000 more than the next highest program. This online institution serves military personnel and federal employees, reflecting the strong demand for security professionals in the Washington D.C. corridor. CUNY Hunter College offers the lowest net cost at just $2,446, while California State University-Long Beach achieves the highest graduation rate at 69.90 percent among programs under $30,000. The field benefits from proximity to major government agencies, defense contractors, and international organizations concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Net costs across these 15 programs range from $2,446 to $10,043, with most public institutions charging in-state tuition below $10,000. Florida International University and University of South Florida provide strong value in Miami and Tampa, cities with growing international business sectors.
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 explains the $18,662 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

American Public University System graduates earn $47,260 compared to $28,598 at Northern Kentucky University. The online format at APUS attracts working professionals in security fields who leverage education for advancement. Many students already work for federal agencies or defense contractors, positioning them for higher-paying specialized roles. Geographic factors also matter, as D.C.-area security jobs typically pay more than regional positions.

How do CUNY schools compare for International Relations affordability?

CUNY Hunter College costs just $2,446 net with a 61 percent graduation rate and 47.86 percent acceptance rate. CUNY City College costs slightly more at $3,486 but offers similar value with graduates earning $39,009. College of Staten Island CUNY provides the highest net cost among the three at $5,115 but has a concerning 32.8 percent graduation rate. Hunter College clearly offers the best combination of affordability and outcomes.

Is California State University-Long Beach worth the higher cost among CSU options?

Cal State Long Beach charges $8,931 net compared to $5,825 at CSU Bakersfield, but delivers significantly better results. Long Beach achieves a 69.90 percent graduation rate versus 49.30 percent at Bakersfield, with graduates earning $33,993 annually. The 39.95 percent acceptance rate at Long Beach indicates more selective admissions. Students pay $3,106 more but receive substantially better educational outcomes and career prospects.

Does location affect job prospects for International Relations graduates?

Florida programs show strong earning potential with University of South Florida graduates earning $29,413 and Florida International University graduates earning $32,426. Both schools benefit from Miami and Tampa's international business communities and proximity to Latin America. Northern Kentucky University graduates earn just $28,598 despite the Cincinnati metro area's corporate presence. Coastal locations with international connections typically offer more opportunities for IR professionals than inland regions.

Where can students find the best graduation rates under $10,000?

University of South Florida leads with a 74.60 percent graduation rate at $10,043 net cost, just above the $10,000 threshold. Florida International University achieves 73.90 percent at $9,133, while Cal State Long Beach reaches 69.90 percent at $8,931. CUNY Hunter College offers 61 percent completion at just $2,446. These four schools significantly outperform regional universities that often struggle to graduate half their students in International Relations programs.

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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.