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Best Value Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Idaho delivers the most affordable Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies education at just $13,782 net cost, while Macalester College commands $29,980 despite its 90.40% graduation rate. This price gap reflects the growing demand for cultural competency professionals across sectors from nonprofit organizations to corporate human resources departments. The federal government employs thousands of diversity specialists, with many positions concentrated in Washington DC area agencies. Ithaca College graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $37,208, nearly $16,000 more than Biola University graduates at $21,508. Public institutions like University of Texas at Austin offer strong value propositions with in-state costs of $11,678 and graduation rates reaching 87.60%. Private colleges dominate this field, representing 12 of the 15 programs, though acceptance rates vary dramatically from Macalester's selective 28.42% to Indiana University of Pennsylvania's open 91.94% admission policy.
46
Programs
$4,113 – $50,218
Net Price Range
$28,084
Avg. Program Earnings
58.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,782 $25,194 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
2 $23,574 $30,228 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
3 $21,063 $24,035 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
4 $29,980 $33,993 $64,908 90.4% 28.4%
5 $32,965 $37,208 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
6 $21,660 $24,421 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
7 $28,101 $21,508 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
8 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
9 $31,680 $17,700 85.7%
10 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
11 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
12 $16,474 $17,322 20.5% 42.9%
13 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
14 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
15 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
16 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
17 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
18 $22,456 $20,260 23.9% 50.0%
19 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
20 $13,884 $6,438 54.4% 34.2%
21 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
22 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
23 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
24 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
25 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
26 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
27 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
28 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
29 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
30 $50,218 $50,666 76.3% 93.2%
31 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
32 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
33 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
34 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
35 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
36 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
37 $31,771 $63,612 72.7% 46.1%
38 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
39 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
40 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
41 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
42 $25,140 $36,830 68.4% 92.5%
43 $22,078 $29,195 51.1% 42.6%
44 $17,052 $14,685 40.8% 53.6%
45 $21,887 $16,230 38.2%
46 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,000 salary gap between top and bottom earners in this field?

Ithaca College graduates earn $37,208 compared to Biola University's $21,508, reflecting geographic and institutional differences. East Coast locations typically offer higher salaries for diversity roles in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Ithaca's 74.10% graduation rate suggests stronger program completion, which correlates with better employment outcomes. Regional job markets significantly influence starting salaries in cultural studies fields.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for diversity studies value?

Public options like University of Idaho cost $13,782 versus private averages above $20,000, yet outcomes vary significantly. University of Texas at Austin achieves an 87.60% graduation rate at just $19,678 net cost, matching many private institutions. However, only three public universities appear in this ranking. Private colleges dominate because they often emphasize interdisciplinary liberal arts programs that house these majors.

Is Macalester College worth its premium price for diversity studies?

Macalester's $29,980 net cost produces a 90.40% graduation rate and $33,993 average earnings, justifying the investment for many students. The school accepts only 28.42% of applicants, indicating high academic standards and potentially stronger alumni networks. Saint Paul's location provides access to numerous nonprofit organizations and government agencies seeking cultural competency professionals. The combination of academic rigor and career outcomes supports the higher cost.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in multicultural studies?

Acceptance rates range from Macalester's selective 28.42% to Indiana University of Pennsylvania's 91.94%, but graduation rates tell a clearer story. Macalester achieves 90.40% graduation compared to IUP's 52.40%, suggesting selectivity does impact completion rates. However, University of Texas at Austin admits 31.35% while maintaining an 87.60% graduation rate. Program structure and institutional support matter more than admission selectivity alone.

Where do diversity studies graduates typically find employment after college?

Government agencies employ significant numbers of diversity specialists, particularly in federal departments requiring cultural competency training and policy development. Corporate human resources departments increasingly hire multicultural studies graduates for diversity and inclusion initiatives. Nonprofit organizations focusing on social justice, immigration services, and community outreach represent another major employment sector. Starting salaries ranging from $21,508 to $37,208 reflect these varied career paths and geographic differences.

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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.