Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee's public universities offer International Relations students remarkably affordable pathways, with The University of Tennessee-Martin leading at just $10,299 net cost compared to private options reaching $32,096 at Belmont University. This cost advantage matters in a state where federal facilities like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and military installations create steady demand for security professionals. The $22,000 price gap between public and private programs becomes even more significant when considering that graduates across all programs report similar early career earnings of around $24,035. Tennessee's absence of state income tax also helps stretch those starting salaries further than in neighboring states.

Programs

$10,299 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$24,035

Avg. Program Earnings

57.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
2	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
3	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
4	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
5	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
6	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
7	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
8	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
9	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
10	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee's public universities so affordable for International Relations students?

Public institutions like UT-Martin and Middle Tennessee State keep net costs below $13,000 through state funding and the Tennessee Promise program. In-state students pay even less, with MTSU charging just $9,506 in tuition and fees.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and expensive programs?

Budget-friendly options show mixed results, with UT-Martin achieving a 54.8% graduation rate despite its low $10,299 cost. Meanwhile, higher-priced private schools like Belmont reach 71.7% graduation rates, though the $32,096 net price represents triple the cost of public alternatives.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program cost in Tennessee?

Not necessarily - University of Memphis accepts 94.6% of applicants while charging just $13,253 net cost. Even selective Rhodes College, with a 53.9% acceptance rate, costs $25,060 after aid, showing that exclusivity doesn't always mean maximum expense.

Where do Tennessee International Relations graduates typically find employment?

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Redstone Arsenal in nearby Alabama, and federal agencies in Nashville provide security-focused opportunities. The state's automotive manufacturing sector and healthcare giants like HCA also value international business and policy analysis skills.

More International Relations and National Security Studies Rankings

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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.