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Best Value Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Colleges

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

Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs show remarkable cost variations, with Ohio University's regional campuses charging just $4,503 annually while Chapman University reaches $47,527. The earnings gap proves equally striking, spanning from $18,771 at DePaul University to $46,738 at UC Berkeley. Public universities dominate the value equation, with North Carolina residents paying only $8,989 for a program that yields $36,848 in median earnings. The field connects strongly to Washington D.C.'s policy sector, where organizations like the United States Institute of Peace and numerous NGOs actively recruit graduates. George Mason University capitalizes on this proximity, combining reasonable costs with $44,595 earnings potential. Meanwhile, Notre Dame achieves a 96.80% graduation rate despite higher expenses, suggesting program quality varies significantly across institutions. Ohio's regional campuses present the most affordable entry point, though their graduation rates hover around 20%.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $47,527
Net Price Range
$34,823
Avg. Program Earnings
61.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,979 $46,738 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
2 $12,983 $36,848 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
3 $18,287 $44,595 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $16,456 $32,569 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
5 $21,385 $32,925 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
6 $27,823 $42,682 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
7 $35,435 $28,598 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
8 $29,141 $18,771 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
9 $47,527 $29,685 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
10 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
11 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
12 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
13 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
14 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
15 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
16 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
17 $31,046 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
18 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
19 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
20 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
21 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
22 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
23 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
24 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
25 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
26 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
27 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
28 $25,884 $50,920 68.4% 90.5%
29 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
30 $31,918 $64,644 66.7% 45.3%
31 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
32 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
33 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
34 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
35 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
36 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
37 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
38 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
39 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
40 $23,663 $48,268 72.7% 80.6%
41 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
42 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
43 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
44 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
45 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
46 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
47 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
48 $24,546 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
49 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
50 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the most and least expensive programs?

The $43,024 gap between Ohio University-Eastern Campus ($4,503) and Chapman University ($47,527) reflects both institutional type and location factors. Public regional campuses offer the lowest costs but often struggle with completion rates around 17-20%. Private institutions like Chapman and Tufts charge premium prices but provide different campus experiences and alumni networks that may justify higher investments for some students.

How do public university values compare to private options in this field?

Public universities deliver superior value, with UC Berkeley producing $46,738 earnings at $14,979 net cost and UNC Chapel Hill generating $36,848 at just $12,983. Private institutions like Tufts charge $35,435 but yield only $28,598 in earnings. George Mason represents a middle ground, offering $44,595 earnings potential at $18,287 net cost while maintaining strong ties to Washington policy circles.

Is there a correlation between graduation rates and program costs?

Higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, with Notre Dame leading at 96.80% graduation despite $27,823 costs. UC Berkeley and UNC Chapel Hill both exceed 92% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable expenses. Ohio's regional campuses charge under $6,000 but struggle with graduation rates below 21%, suggesting that extremely low costs may indicate resource constraints affecting student success.

Where do Peace Studies graduates find the best job markets?

The Washington D.C. metro area offers the strongest employment prospects, explaining George Mason's solid $44,595 earnings despite moderate costs. California's policy sector and international organizations support UC Berkeley's $46,738 median earnings. North Carolina's growing research triangle contributes to UNC Chapel Hill's $36,848 outcomes, while private institutions often struggle to match these regionally-connected public programs in earnings potential.

Does debt load significantly impact value calculations for these programs?

Debt varies dramatically, with UNC Chapel Hill graduates carrying just $14,000 compared to George Mason's $25,000 average. DePaul students face $24,500 in debt while earning only $18,771, creating challenging repayment scenarios. Salisbury University offers better balance with $20,000 debt and $32,569 earnings, while debt-free options at Ohio's regional campuses may appeal to cost-conscious students despite lower completion rates.

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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.