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Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's most affordable International Relations and National Security Studies programs span a remarkable cost range, from University of Pittsburgh-Bradford's $16,630 net price to Juniata College's $27,663. This nearly $11,000 gap reflects the state's mix of accessible public options and private colleges offering substantial financial aid. Swarthmore College stands out as an outlier, combining a highly selective 6.93% acceptance rate with an $18,686 net price despite its $62,412 sticker price. The state's strategic position in national security matters, with major defense contractors and federal agencies maintaining operations near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, creates natural career pathways for graduates. Pennsylvania's finance sector, anchored by companies like Comcast and major pharmaceutical firms, also values international relations expertise for global market analysis and regulatory compliance. Most programs maintain graduation rates between 43% and 94%, with private institutions generally outperforming their public counterparts.
32
Programs
$16,630 – $40,429
Net Price Range
$40,900
Avg. Program Earnings
72.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
2 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
4 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
5 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
6 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
7 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
8 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
9 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
10 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
11 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
12 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
13 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
14 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
15 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
16 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
17 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
18 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
19 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
20 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
21 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
22 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
23 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
24 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
25 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
26 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
27 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
28 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
29 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
30 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
31 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
32 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Swarthmore College's low net price despite being highly selective?

Swarthmore College offers strong financial aid that reduces costs to $18,686 for qualifying students, even though the full price reaches $62,412. This elite institution accepts only 6.93% of applicants but maintains a 94.10% graduation rate. The college's substantial endowment allows generous need-based aid packages that make it surprisingly affordable compared to other private options in the state.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for affordability?

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford leads as the most affordable option at $16,630 net price, while Indiana University of Pennsylvania costs $17,216. Both public institutions offer significantly lower in-state tuition, with IUP charging just $11,380 for residents. However, graduation rates differ substantially, with IUP achieving 52.40% compared to Pitt-Bradford's 43.40% completion rate.

Does program location within Pennsylvania affect career prospects?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh locations provide access to major employers like Comcast, UPMC, and pharmaceutical companies that value international relations expertise. Schools near these metropolitan areas, such as La Salle University and Chatham University, benefit from internship opportunities and networking connections. Rural programs like those at Juniata College and Allegheny College often maintain strong alumni networks that help graduates access opportunities statewide.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these programs?

Available data shows graduates earning between $29,685 and $30,409 annually after completing their programs. Allegheny College graduates earn $30,409 with a median debt of $27,000, while Susquehanna University graduates earn $29,685. These figures reflect early career earnings, as international relations professionals typically see salary growth with experience and specialized skills development.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs?

Higher-priced programs generally achieve better graduation rates, with Swarthmore College leading at 94.10% completion. Saint Francis University and Seton Hill University both exceed 70% graduation rates despite moderate costs around $19,000-$22,000. The most affordable public options show lower completion rates, with University of Pittsburgh-Bradford at 43.40% and Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 52.40%.

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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.