Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Ohio

Public universities dominate Ohio's most affordable International Relations and National Security Studies programs, with University of Akron leading at $14,981 net cost compared to private options reaching $22,140. The $7,159 gap between cheapest and most expensive reflects Ohio's strong public higher education system. Ohio State University stands out with an 87.70% graduation rate and $36,344 median earnings, significantly higher than the state range of $29,685-$38,289. Students benefit from Ohio's strategic location for government and defense work, with proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and federal agencies in nearby Washington D.C. The state's manufacturing base, including Honda and other international corporations, creates opportunities for graduates interested in trade policy and economic security roles. Cleveland State University offers particular value at $16,065 net cost with direct access to international business networks through Cleveland's port facilities and multinational corporate presence.

Programs

$14,981 – $38,111

Net Price Range

$34,649

Avg. Program Earnings

61.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
2	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
3	Shawnee State University Portsmouth, Ohio	$15,389	$9,622	43.0%
4	Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio	$16,065	$12,613	48.9%	85.3%
5	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
6	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
7	Wittenberg University Springfield, Ohio	$19,470	$44,602	53.8%	93.9%
8	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
9	Walsh University North Canton, Ohio	$20,004	$34,595	61.7%	72.5%
10	Muskingum University New Concord, Ohio	$20,204	$31,440	52.7%	86.4%
11	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
12	Notre Dame College Cleveland, Ohio	$20,477	$32,606	36.6%	78.5%
13	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, Ohio	$20,918	$14,081	62.8%	78.7%
14	Ashland University Ashland, Ohio	$21,994	$28,910	60.6%	71.8%
15	Otterbein University Westerville, Ohio	$22,140	$34,899	68.9%	83.7%
16	University of Mount Union Alliance, Ohio	$22,539	$35,400	64.9%	75.8%
17	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio	$23,156	$13,570	71.5%	86.2%
18	Capital University Columbus, Ohio	$23,585	$41,788	65.5%	72.2%
19	Tiffin University Tiffin, Ohio	$23,758	$32,400	43.0%	82.8%
20	The College of Wooster Wooster, Ohio	$25,766	$59,550	73.6%	56.3%
21	Baldwin Wallace University Berea, Ohio	$27,654	$37,938	68.6%	77.0%
22	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
23	Denison University Granville, Ohio	$38,111	$64,000	80.1%	22.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large cost difference between public and private programs?

Public universities like University of Akron ($14,981) and Wright State ($15,216) benefit from state funding that keeps costs low. Private institutions like Otterbein University ($22,140) and Ashland University ($21,994) charge higher tuition but often provide more need-based aid. The average public program costs $17,460 compared to $20,658 for private options.

How do graduation rates vary across affordable programs?

Ohio State University leads with an 87.70% graduation rate despite moderate costs at $18,292 net price. Kent State achieves 65.50% graduation rates at just $19,614, while University of Akron shows 48.20% completion at the lowest cost point. Private schools like Otterbein reach 68.90% but cost $2,526 more annually than Kent State.

Does location within Ohio affect career prospects for graduates?

Columbus-area programs benefit from state government internships and Ohio State's extensive alumni network in federal agencies. Cleveland State connects students to international trade through the city's port operations and multinational corporations. Dayton's Wright State offers proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, providing defense contractor opportunities and military partnerships.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these programs?

Bowling Green State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $38,289, despite moderate program costs of $20,918. Kent State graduates average $29,685 with lower debt loads of $25,500. Ohio State graduates earn $36,344 with manageable debt of $18,384, reflecting strong career services and employer recruitment.

How accessible are these programs for Ohio residents?

Most schools maintain acceptance rates above 80%, with Wright State accepting 95.22% of applicants at $15,216 net cost. Ohio State offers more selective admission at 52.72% but provides excellent value with in-state tuition of $12,859. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps reduce costs further for qualifying residents across all participating institutions.

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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.