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Cheapest International/Global Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College delivers Pennsylvania's most affordable International/Global Studies program at just $18,686 net cost, despite carrying a sticker price of $62,412. This gap showcases the power of need-based aid at highly selective schools, with Swarthmore accepting only 6.93% of applicants while maintaining a 94.10% graduation rate. The state's 20 programs span a remarkable price range from $18,686 to $31,671, with public option Shippensburg University offering solid value at $23,553 net cost. Pennsylvania's international business connections through companies like Comcast and major pharmaceutical firms create natural pathways for global studies graduates. The earnings potential varies significantly, with some programs producing alumni earning $84,653 while others start closer to $24,035. This wide variation reflects different career trajectories within international affairs, from nonprofit work to corporate global operations.
24
Programs
$18,686 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$49,352
Avg. Program Earnings
72.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 International/Global Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
3 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
4 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
5 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
6 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
7 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
8 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
9 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
10 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
11 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
12 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
13 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
14 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
15 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
16 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
17 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
18 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
19 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
20 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
21 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
22 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
23 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
24 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Swarthmore College achieve such low net costs for International/Global Studies?

Swarthmore's $18,686 net cost results from generous need-based financial aid that covers most of the $62,412 sticker price. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. With only 6.93% acceptance rate, admitted students typically qualify for substantial aid packages. The school's large endowment allows this level of support while maintaining a 94.10% graduation rate.

What explains the $60,000+ earnings gap between International/Global Studies programs?

Graduates earn between $24,035 and $84,653, reflecting different career paths within international affairs. Higher earners typically enter corporate roles with multinational companies or financial services firms. Lower starting salaries often occur in nonprofit organizations, government positions, or international development work. Career progression and geographic location also significantly impact long-term earning potential in this field.

Does Pennsylvania's public university option provide competitive value?

Shippensburg University offers International/Global Studies at $23,553 net cost with an $13,544 in-state tuition rate. The program maintains a 51.60% graduation rate with 87.80% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Students graduate with $24,759 average debt, which falls below the national average. The PA State Grant program can further reduce costs for qualifying residents.

How do acceptance rates correlate with program costs in Pennsylvania?

The most expensive net cost programs often have the highest acceptance rates, with Wilson College accepting 94.05% of applicants. Conversely, Haverford College costs $25,210 net but accepts only 14.21% of students. Swarthmore combines the lowest net cost with extreme selectivity at 6.93% acceptance. This pattern shows that highly selective schools use aid to attract top students regardless of financial background.

Where do Pennsylvania's International/Global Studies graduates find employment?

Pennsylvania's economy offers multiple pathways through healthcare giant UPMC, media conglomerate Comcast, and major pharmaceutical companies. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates government opportunities, while Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide corporate international roles. Many graduates also pursue positions with international nonprofits, consulting firms, or continue to graduate programs in law or international relations. The state's varied economy supports various career trajectories within global affairs.

More International/Global Studies Rankings

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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.