Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in New York

CUNY City College delivers International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earning $39,009 annually while keeping net costs at just $3,486, creating an extraordinary value proposition in expensive New York. This stark contrast highlights the varied market across the state's 15 programs, where private colleges like Colgate command net costs reaching $29,107 yet produce the highest-earning graduates at $53,775. New York's position as home to the United Nations headquarters, major financial institutions, and federal agencies creates unique internship and career pathways for international relations students. The state's public university system particularly shines in affordability, with SUNY schools maintaining net costs below $20,000 while preparing students for careers in diplomacy, intelligence, and global business. Columbia University rounds out the options with a 95% graduation rate, though most students will find better value among the state's public institutions that balance quality education with manageable costs.

Programs

$2,446 – $42,581

Net Price Range

$36,894

Avg. Program Earnings

68.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

34 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY City College New York, New York	$3,486	$39,009	$7,340	54.7%	66.6%
2	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$29,107	$53,775	$67,024	90.5%	12.4%
3	SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, New York	$18,021	$32,569	$8,966	72.1%	74.9%
4	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951	$32,925	$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
5	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314	$46,087	$65,740	91.3%	11.8%
6	State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York	$18,481	$26,739	$8,524	68.9%	58.3%
7	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231	$24,730	$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
8	Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, New York	$34,581	$41,193	$65,030	81.7%	25.5%
9	University of Rochester Rochester, New York	$30,248	$35,060	$64,348	84.5%	38.9%
10	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581	$40,821	$61,992	80.3%	54.1%
11	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026	$32,925	$63,061	81.4%	51.8%
12	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364		$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
13	Wells College Aurora, New York	$22,921		$35,166	40.9%	87.7%
14	Wagner College Staten Island, New York	$27,733		$52,000	68.1%	68.5%
15	Vassar College Poughkeepsie, New York	$38,182		$67,805	89.1%	18.7%
16	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295		$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
17	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148		$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
18	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833		$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
19	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, New York	$5,115		$7,490	32.8%
20	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446		$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
21	Elmira College Elmira, New York	$23,735		$37,932	64.0%	96.0%
22	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229		$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
23	SUNY Brockport Brockport, New York	$15,844		$8,678	56.6%	67.9%
24	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057		$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
25	St. John Fisher University Rochester, New York	$28,150		$39,666	74.4%	73.1%
26	Russell Sage College Troy, New York	$23,027		$36,756	65.7%	73.6%
27	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322		$32,720	70.7%	77.7%
28	Niagara University Niagara University, New York	$18,740		$38,135	70.2%	89.6%
29	New York University New York, New York	$35,035		$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
30	Nazareth University Rochester, New York	$30,521		$40,880	72.9%	83.9%
31	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920		$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
32	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770		$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
33	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881		$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
34	Iona University New Rochelle, New York	$27,951		$45,880	57.4%	96.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College such an outstanding value for international relations students?

City College combines a remarkably low net cost of $3,486 with solid graduate earnings of $39,009, creating one of the best return-on-investment ratios in the state. The college's location in Manhattan provides direct access to UN internships, diplomatic missions, and international business headquarters. Students graduate with manageable debt loads averaging $14,060 while gaining credentials that open doors in global affairs and security studies.

How do private college outcomes justify their higher costs in this field?

Colgate University graduates earn $53,775 annually, significantly outpacing most other programs, though students pay a net cost of $29,107. Hamilton College achieves similar results with graduates earning $46,087 and maintaining an impressive 91.3% graduation rate. These elite liberal arts colleges offer extensive alumni networks in government, international organizations, and multinational corporations that can accelerate early career advancement.

Is the SUNY system competitive for international relations studies?

SUNY schools dominate the value equation, with five campuses offering international relations programs at net costs between $17,231 and $19,951. Geneseo stands out with a 72.1% graduation rate and graduates earning $32,569, while maintaining affordable in-state tuition of $8,966. These programs benefit from the state's extensive internship networks in Albany government offices and New York City international organizations.

Does location within New York affect career prospects for graduates?

New York City programs provide unmatched access to the United Nations, Council on Foreign Relations, and major media outlets covering international affairs. Schools like Fordham and Columbia place students directly in this ecosystem, though graduates earn $40,821 and face higher living costs. Upstate programs like Hamilton and Colgate compensate with strong alumni networks and lower debt burdens, with Hamilton graduates carrying just $19,000 in average debt.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

New York's graduates enter varied fields including federal agencies, international nonprofits, financial services with global reach, and media organizations covering world affairs. The state's concentration of Fortune 500 companies with international operations creates opportunities beyond traditional diplomatic careers. Starting salaries range from $24,730 to $53,775, with higher earners typically securing positions in finance, consulting, or specialized government roles requiring security clearances.

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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.