Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges

CUNY Hunter College delivers the nation's most affordable International Relations and National Security Studies program at just $2,446 net cost, making graduate-level diplomacy training accessible to working-class New Yorkers. This $8,339 gap between the cheapest and most expensive option on this list reflects how public universities in major metropolitan areas often provide the best value for students entering government service. The New York metropolitan area hosts the United Nations headquarters, federal agencies, and numerous think tanks that actively recruit international affairs graduates. While American Public University System graduates earn $47,260 annually compared to Northern Kentucky University's $28,598, the $61,000 difference in total program costs means students must carefully weigh immediate affordability against long-term earning potential. State schools dominate this affordable market, with California State University-Long Beach achieving a 69.9% graduation rate while keeping costs under $9,000.

Programs

$2,446 – $14,295

Net Price Range

$34,327

Avg. Program Earnings

55.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446	$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
2	CUNY City College New York, New York	$3,486	$7,340	54.7%	66.6%
3	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, New York	$5,115	$7,490	32.8%
4	California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield, California	$5,825	$7,696	49.3%	86.6%
5	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168	$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
6	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155	$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
7	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257	$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
8	Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia	$8,327	$8,942	48.7%	96.9%
9	Utah Valley University Orem, Utah	$8,463	$6,270	40.7%
10	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, California	$8,931	$7,008	69.9%	40.0%
11	Fairmont State University Fairmont, West Virginia	$9,055	$8,454	48.3%	98.5%
12	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$9,104	$8,400	53.2%
13	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
14	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
15	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043	$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
16	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
17	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
18	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, California	$10,550	$7,739	54.2%	95.2%
19	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
20	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
21	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
22	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$10,997	$5,656	83.0%	25.0%
23	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$11,234	$8,991	51.2%	86.9%
24	California State University-East Bay Hayward, California	$11,276	$7,055	45.5%	96.2%
25	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
26	Missouri Southern State University Joplin, Missouri	$11,653	$8,400	38.3%	99.5%
27	Saint Xavier University Chicago, Illinois	$12,093	$36,840	59.0%	84.1%
28	Stanford University Stanford, California	$12,136	$62,484	92.8%	3.7%
29	Trinity Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$12,233	$26,110	44.4%	97.0%
30	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
31	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
32	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana	$12,621	$10,136	52.0%	94.4%
33	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$12,882	$7,424	50.1%	94.2%
34	Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas	$12,915	$8,319	40.7%	79.1%
35	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
36	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
37	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
38	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
39	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$13,289	$11,764	92.3%	17.1%
40	Francis Marion University Florence, South Carolina	$13,451	$11,160	42.7%	82.9%
41	Oakland University Rochester Hills, Michigan	$13,584	$14,694	56.9%	90.1%
42	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
43	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
44	University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho	$13,782	$8,816	60.9%	73.9%
45	Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, California	$13,801	$8,190	60.5%	94.0%
46	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
47	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170	$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
48	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
49	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229	$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
50	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295	$8,712	47.9%	82.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College so much cheaper than other programs?

CUNY Hunter College's $2,446 net cost reflects New York State's aggressive financial aid for low-income residents and the CUNY system's mission to serve working families. The college's $7,382 sticker price drops dramatically after federal and state grants. Hunter's location in Manhattan provides direct access to UN internships and federal agencies without the premium costs of private institutions. The 47.86% acceptance rate ensures selectivity while maintaining affordability for qualified applicants.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 32.8% at College of Staten Island to 74.6% at University of South Florida, showing that low cost doesn't guarantee completion. Florida International University achieves 73.9% graduation rates while keeping net costs at $9,133. California State University-Long Beach balances strong outcomes with affordability, graduating 69.9% of students at $8,931 net cost. The data suggests larger research universities often provide better support systems than smaller regional campuses.

Does attending a for-profit school like American Public University pay off?

American Public University System graduates earn $47,260 annually, the highest on this list, while maintaining competitive costs at $9,104 net price. The school's $14,947 average debt load remains reasonable compared to traditional universities. However, the 53.2% graduation rate lags behind top public options like University of South Florida at 74.6%. Students should weigh the higher earning potential against completion risks when considering for-profit alternatives.

Where do International Relations graduates find the best job markets?

Florida universities like University of South Florida and Florida International University benefit from Miami's role as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, creating strong demand for international affairs expertise. California programs tap into Pacific Rim trade relationships and tech industry globalization needs. New York programs provide direct access to UN operations, financial sector international divisions, and federal immigration services. Regional specializations often determine which affordable programs offer the strongest career pipelines.

What explains the wide range in student debt levels?

Student debt varies from $14,060 at CUNY City College to $18,896 at Fairmont State University, reflecting different state funding levels and cost of living factors. West Virginia schools like Fairmont State and Marshall University show higher debt despite lower sticker prices due to limited state grant programs. CUNY schools benefit from New York's Excelsior Scholarship program, which covers tuition for middle-income families. The correlation between debt and graduation rates suggests that financial stress impacts completion across these programs.

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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.