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Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Michigan

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

Oakland University delivers the most affordable International Relations and National Security Studies education in Michigan at just $13,584 net cost, while Michigan State graduates earn $44,170 annually. The $11,199 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Michigan's mix of accessible public universities and selective private colleges. With Detroit hosting major federal agencies and Michigan's automotive industry increasingly tied to national security supply chains, graduates find opportunities in both government and private sector roles. The state's public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the eight cheapest programs offered at state institutions.
11
Programs
$13,584 – $24,783
Net Price Range
$32,336
Avg. Program Earnings
64.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
2 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
3 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
4 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
5 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
6 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
7 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
8 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
9 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
10 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
11 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings difference between Northern Michigan and Michigan State graduates?

Northern Michigan graduates earn $25,194 compared to Michigan State's $44,170, a gap of nearly $19,000. Michigan State's location in East Lansing provides better access to state government internships and its larger alumni network opens more federal career paths.

How much can the Michigan Achievement Scholarship reduce these program costs?

The scholarship covers up to $5,500 annually for in-state students, which could reduce Oakland University's $13,584 net cost by over 40%. For higher-cost public programs like Michigan State at $20,751, the scholarship provides meaningful but smaller percentage savings.

Is Kalamazoo College worth its $18,873 cost despite being more expensive than most public options?

Kalamazoo achieves an 81.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than public alternatives like Oakland's 56.9%. The college's strong liberal arts foundation and study abroad programs often lead to competitive graduate school admissions and federal career opportunities.

Where do graduates typically find national security jobs in Michigan?

Detroit hosts FBI and Department of Homeland Security offices, while the automotive industry's defense contracts create private sector opportunities. Michigan's proximity to Canada also generates border security and trade policy positions throughout the Great Lakes region.

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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.