Skip to main content

Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Missouri

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

Washington University in St Louis breaks the mold among Missouri's International Relations and National Security Studies programs, offering the same $20,140 median earnings as other schools despite charging $62,982 in tuition before aid. The 12 programs span from Missouri Southern State University's $11,653 net cost to Saint Louis University's $27,075. Missouri's position as home to defense contractors and the Defense Logistics Agency creates pathways for graduates into national security roles. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with Missouri Southern accepting 99.48% of applicants while maintaining reasonable costs for students entering a field where starting salaries remain consistent regardless of institutional prestige.
12
Programs
$11,653 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$20,140
Avg. Program Earnings
62.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
2 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
4 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
5 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
6 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
7 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
8 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
9 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
10 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
11 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
12 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the identical $20,140 earnings across Missouri programs?

Entry-level positions in international relations and national security typically follow government pay scales or standardized nonprofit salary structures. This creates consistent starting wages regardless of whether graduates attended Missouri Southern State University at $11,653 net cost or Washington University at $22,117 after aid.

How do Missouri's public universities compare in affordability?

Missouri Southern State University leads at $11,653 net cost with a 99.48% acceptance rate, while University of Missouri-St Louis costs $12,323 with more selective 51.11% admissions. Both public options significantly undercut private alternatives, with the next cheapest being William Jewell College at $16,602.

Does Washington University justify its high costs for this major?

Washington University charges $62,982 in tuition but provides substantial aid, bringing net costs to $22,117 for a 94.40% graduation rate. However, graduates earn the same $20,140 median salary as those from Missouri Southern, making the cost-benefit calculation challenging for this particular field.

Where do Missouri graduates find national security employment?

The Defense Logistics Agency operates a major installation in St Louis, while companies like Cerner work on government healthcare contracts. Missouri's central location and defense industry presence create opportunities in federal agencies, defense contractors, and international trade organizations throughout the region.

More International Relations and National Security Studies Rankings

Best Value International Relations and National Security Studies in Missouri International Relations and National Security Studies Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All International Relations and National Security Studies Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best International Relations and National Security Studies in Missouri

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.