Cheapest International/Global Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts delivers surprising value in International Studies education, with costs ranging from Framingham State's $16,698 to Bentley University's $38,787 net price. The state's concentration of international organizations, consulates, and multinational corporations around Boston creates strong demand for globally-minded graduates. Public options provide strong value, with UMass Boston offering the major for just $18,282 annually. Private institutions show dramatic cost variations, yet graduates typically earn $42,682 to $45,249 regardless of their school's price tag. Clark University stands out with a 77% graduation rate at $27,711, while Brandeis commands the highest earnings at $45,249. The MassGrant Plus program helps in-state students access these programs affordably. Boston's status as a global city, hosting numerous international businesses and NGOs, provides internship and career opportunities that complement classroom learning in this field.

Programs

$16,698 – $39,866

Net Price Range

$43,966

Avg. Program Earnings

67.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 International/Global Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts	$16,698	$11,630	49.5%	87.4%
2	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
3	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
4	American International College Springfield, Massachusetts	$25,299	$42,970	42.3%	89.4%
5	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810	$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
6	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
7	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
8	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170	$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
9	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569	$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
10	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$31,805	$32,780	61.7%	86.2%
11	Brandeis University Waltham, Massachusetts	$33,885	$64,946	86.1%	39.4%
12	Bard College at Simon's Rock Great Barrington, Massachusetts	$36,684	$66,594	54.2%	95.5%
13	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	$36,868	$60,850	89.6%	36.4%
14	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
15	Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts	$38,787	$58,150	88.2%	57.9%
16	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%
17	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$39,866	$67,680	91.0%	16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $22,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like Framingham State ($16,698) and UMass Boston ($18,282) offer significantly lower costs than private institutions. Private colleges range from Hampshire at $25,810 to Bentley at $38,787, reflecting differences in endowments, campus amenities, and financial aid policies. Despite the price gaps, earnings data shows graduates earn similar salaries regardless of their school's cost.

How do graduation rates vary across different price points in this major?

Graduation rates don't correlate directly with costs in Massachusetts International Studies programs. Clark University achieves a 77% graduation rate at $27,711, while more expensive Bard College at Simon's Rock graduates only 54% of students at $36,684. Holy Cross leads with 89.6% at $36,868, suggesting factors beyond price determine student success.

Is financial aid substantial enough to make private programs competitive with public options?

Several private colleges offer generous aid packages that narrow the gap with public schools. Hampshire College's sticker price of $56,630 drops to $25,810 after aid, while Assumption University reduces from $49,414 to $28,853. However, public options like UMass Boston remain the most affordable at $18,282 even after considering private college discounts.

Where do International Studies graduates typically find employment in Massachusetts?

Boston's concentration of international organizations, consulting firms, and multinational corporations creates strong job prospects for graduates. The city hosts numerous NGOs, trade associations, and foreign consulates that regularly hire International Studies majors. Additionally, the state's biotech and healthcare sectors increasingly seek globally-minded professionals to navigate international markets and regulatory environments.

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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.