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Cheapest Intelligence Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Harvard University offers one of the most affordable Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations programs in the country with a net price of just $16,816, despite its $59,076 sticker price. This puts the Ivy League institution in striking distance of public options like Indiana University-Bloomington at $15,342 and University of Arizona at $15,960. The field serves critical national security functions, with the Department of Defense employing thousands of intelligence analysts and command control specialists across installations nationwide. At the budget end, Fayetteville State University delivers the same degree for $7,360 net cost with an 81% acceptance rate. The 20 programs span from North Carolina to Utah, with graduation rates varying dramatically from Fayetteville State's 35% to Harvard's 97%. American Public University System targets military and veteran students specifically, reflecting how these skills translate directly to federal employment opportunities in intelligence agencies and defense contractors.
30
Programs
$7,360 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$38,923
Avg. Program Earnings
58.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
2 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
3 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
4 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
5 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
6 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
7 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
8 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
9 $16,767 $8,216 37.2%
10 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
11 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
12 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
13 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
14 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
15 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
16 $19,725 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
17 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
18 $20,913 $19,430 39.3% 91.5%
19 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
20 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
21 $22,086 $16,065 60.0%
22 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
23 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
24 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
25 $25,314 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
26 $25,600 $49,600 61.0% 82.6%
27 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
28 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
29 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
30 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harvard's Intelligence program surprisingly affordable compared to other Ivy League costs?

Harvard's financial aid brings the Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations program down to $16,816 net cost, significantly below the $59,076 listed tuition. This places Harvard within $1,500 of public universities like Indiana University-Bloomington at $15,342. The university's 3.24% acceptance rate means most students who gain admission also qualify for substantial aid packages.

How do public university costs compare across different states for this major?

Public university net costs range from $7,360 at Fayetteville State University to $18,165 at Iowa State University. In-state tuition shows even wider gaps, from North Carolina's $3,969 to Arizona's $13,626. State funding levels and regional cost of living create these disparities, with Southern states generally offering lower costs for intelligence studies.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Intelligence studies?

The data reveals no clear correlation between cost and completion rates. Harvard leads with 97% graduation at $16,816 net cost, while Fayetteville State graduates 35% of students at $7,360. Indiana University-Bloomington achieves 81% graduation at $15,342, suggesting that institutional support matters more than price point for student success.

Where do graduates typically earn after completing Intelligence programs?

Available salary data shows graduates earning $28,381 annually, though this likely reflects entry-level positions in government or contractor roles. Federal intelligence positions often start at GS-7 to GS-11 levels with automatic progression. Private sector defense contractors typically offer higher starting salaries, especially for graduates with security clearances obtained during their studies.

What explains the wide acceptance rate variation among these programs?

Acceptance rates span from Harvard's highly selective 3.24% to Fontbonne University's open 94.43% admission policy. Public universities like Indiana State accept 92% of applicants, while specialized institutions like Newman University maintain moderate selectivity at 51%. Program capacity and institutional mission drive these differences more than academic rigor in intelligence studies.

More Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Rankings

Best Value Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Under $20,000

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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.