Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts delivers striking value contrasts for International Relations and National Security Studies students, with net costs spanning from $18,282 at UMass Boston to $36,684 at Bard College at Simon's Rock. Tufts University graduates command the highest median earnings at $48,139, while maintaining a reasonable debt load of just $16,250. The Commonwealth's proximity to federal agencies, think tanks, and international organizations in Washington D.C., combined with Boston's role as a global financial center, creates natural career pathways for program graduates. Mount Holyoke College stands out with strong earnings of $45,696 despite a moderate net cost of $29,562, while public option UMass Boston offers the most affordable entry point into the field. Massachusetts employers actively recruit international relations talent for roles in consulting, government contracting, and multinational corporations headquartered throughout the state.

Programs

$18,282 – $43,273

Net Price Range

$40,238

Avg. Program Earnings

74.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$29,562	$45,696	$64,142	85.0%	39.8%
2	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$38,797	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
3	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$44,021	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
4	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$48,139	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
5	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313	$35,954	$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
6	Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton, Massachusetts	$30,934	$38,289	$62,080	75.7%	79.5%
7	Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts	$30,031	$30,771	$45,380	59.8%	86.8%
8	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711		$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
9	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569		$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
10	Gordon College Wenham, Massachusetts	$24,817		$28,100	67.6%	91.8%
11	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810		$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
12	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282		$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
13	Regis College Weston, Massachusetts	$28,346		$47,770	69.5%	88.8%
14	Bard College at Simon's Rock Great Barrington, Massachusetts	$36,684		$66,594	54.2%	95.5%
15	Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts	$25,008		$64,320	91.2%	13.6%
16	Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts	$43,273		$59,070	88.4%	57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tufts University worth its $35,435 net cost for international relations students?

Tufts graduates earn a median of $48,139, the highest among Massachusetts programs, while carrying relatively low debt of $16,250. The university maintains a 93.3% graduation rate and accepts only 9.69% of applicants. Its Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy provides direct networking opportunities with foreign policy professionals.

How does UMass Boston compare to private alternatives for value-conscious students?

UMass Boston offers the lowest net cost at $18,282, making it accessible for students prioritizing affordability over prestige. However, the 51.1% graduation rate lags significantly behind private competitors like Mount Holyoke at 85% and Boston University at 90%. The program provides solid preparation for entry-level government and nonprofit positions.

Is Mount Holyoke College a strong middle-ground option for international relations majors?

Mount Holyoke delivers excellent value with a $29,562 net cost producing $45,696 in median earnings, the second-highest in the state. Students graduate with manageable debt of $18,486 and benefit from an 85% graduation rate. The college's women-focused environment creates strong alumni networks in diplomacy and international business.

Does Boston University justify its $26,996 net cost despite lower earnings than competitors?

Boston University graduates earn $38,797 annually, which trails Tufts and Mount Holyoke despite higher debt of $23,394. However, the university's 90% graduation rate and extensive Boston-area internship opportunities provide career advantages. Its location gives students access to consulates, international trade organizations, and federal agency regional offices.

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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.