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Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College delivers the most surprising value proposition in Pennsylvania's International Relations and National Security Studies market, charging just $18,686 net cost while maintaining a 94.10% graduation rate. The state's 15 programs reveal stark cost differences, with private institutions ranging from Swarthmore's bargain to Bucknell's $40,429 annual price tag. Earnings potential varies dramatically too, spanning from $20,140 at University of Scranton to $55,964 at Bucknell University. Pennsylvania's strategic position in national security creates natural career pathways, with major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing maintaining significant operations throughout the state. The combination of Philadelphia's proximity to Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania's role in cybersecurity initiatives through companies like Comcast provides graduates multiple entry points into international relations careers. Students benefit from the PA State Grant program, which helps reduce costs at public institutions like Temple University, where in-state tuition sits at just $22,082 compared to private alternatives.
32
Programs
$16,630 – $40,429
Net Price Range
$40,900
Avg. Program Earnings
72.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $31,229 $55,547 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
2 $32,191 $48,823 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
3 $32,496 $48,198 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
4 $21,900 $30,409 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
5 $40,429 $55,964 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
6 $33,549 $42,123 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
7 $26,539 $29,685 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
8 $35,487 $37,208 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
9 $30,528 $20,140 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
10 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
11 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
12 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
13 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
14 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
15 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
16 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
17 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
18 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
19 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
20 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
21 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
22 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
23 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
24 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
25 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
26 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
27 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
28 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
29 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
30 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
31 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
32 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College such an strong value for International Relations students?

Swarthmore College offers the lowest net cost at $18,686 while maintaining one of the highest graduation rates at 94.10%. The college combines this affordability with extremely selective admissions at just 6.93% acceptance rate. Students receive substantial financial aid that brings costs below many state universities, making it an unmatched value proposition.

How do earnings compare between Pennsylvania's most expensive and affordable programs?

Bucknell University graduates earn $55,964 annually despite the highest net cost of $40,429, creating a strong return on investment. In contrast, University of Scranton charges $30,528 but graduates earn only $20,140, resulting in a less favorable cost-to-earnings ratio. The earnings gap of $35,824 between top and bottom performers shows significant variation in career outcomes across Pennsylvania programs.

Is Temple University a good value option for in-state students?

Temple University provides solid value with in-state tuition of $22,082 and a net cost of $29,219 for typical students. The 74.70% graduation rate falls in the middle range among Pennsylvania programs. As the primary public option for International Relations studies, Temple offers considerable savings compared to private alternatives that often exceed $50,000 annually.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support International Relations graduates effectively?

Pennsylvania's location between New York and Washington D.C. creates natural pathways into international careers and government positions. Major corporations like Comcast headquarters in Philadelphia offer roles in global communications and cybersecurity. The state's defense industry presence, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin facilities, provides additional opportunities for national security-focused graduates seeking private sector positions.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among affordable programs?

Swarthmore College leads with 94.10% graduation rates at the lowest cost, while University of Pennsylvania achieves 96.80% but costs significantly more at $31,229 net. Lafayette College and Lehigh University both exceed 88% graduation rates with net costs around $32,000-$33,000. Students seeking strong completion rates under $25,000 should consider Allegheny College at 66.50% graduation rate for $21,900 net cost.

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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.