Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Texas

The University of Texas at El Paso offers the most affordable International Relations and National Security Studies program in Texas at $10,726 annually, while Baylor University costs nearly four times more at $41,942. This price gap reflects the divide between public and private options across the state's 15 programs. Texas serves as a strategic location for national security careers, with major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon maintaining significant operations throughout the state. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with UT San Antonio following closely at $11,234 and Angelo State at $12,915. Private institutions like University of St Thomas offer competitive net prices around $18,762, though their sticker prices reach $33,660. Graduates typically earn between $29,685 and $33,192, with career opportunities spanning federal agencies, defense contractors, and international organizations drawn to Texas's border location and economic significance.

Programs

$10,726 – $41,942

Net Price Range

$31,216

Avg. Program Earnings

61.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
2	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$11,234	$8,991	51.2%	86.9%
3	Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas	$12,915	$8,319	40.7%	79.1%
4	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
5	University of St Thomas Houston, Texas	$18,762	$33,660	68.6%	96.7%
6	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
7	University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas	$20,498	$35,660	51.8%	94.2%
8	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581	$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
9	St. Mary's University San Antonio, Texas	$21,352	$36,242	58.8%	86.2%
10	Austin College Sherman, Texas	$23,451	$46,500	69.5%	54.4%
11	Trinity University San Antonio, Texas	$23,650	$51,352	81.9%	30.5%
12	Howard Payne University Brownwood, Texas	$25,255	$33,322	31.1%	62.3%
13	Southwestern University Georgetown, Texas	$27,468	$51,058	69.3%	44.8%
14	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
15	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT El Paso the cheapest option at $10,726?

The University of Texas at El Paso achieves its low net price through substantial state funding and need-based aid. With a 99.92% acceptance rate, UTEP maintains an open-access mission that keeps costs down. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic student population along the Mexican border, qualifying many students for significant financial assistance. Its graduation rate of 45.90% reflects the challenges of serving first-generation college students while maintaining affordability.

How do private university costs compare to public options?

Private universities average $25,000-$42,000 in net costs compared to public schools ranging from $10,726-$19,678. University of St Thomas offers the best private value at $18,762 net price with a strong 68.60% graduation rate. Trinity University costs $23,650 but delivers an impressive 81.90% graduation rate. Baylor University represents the premium option at $41,942, though graduates earn $33,192 on average.

Does UT Austin justify its higher cost among public schools?

UT Austin charges $19,678 net price, nearly double other public options, but delivers an strong 87.60% graduation rate. The university's 31.35% acceptance rate makes it highly selective compared to other Texas public schools. Austin's location in the state capital provides direct access to government internships and policy organizations. The program benefits from the university's top-ranked government and international studies departments.

Where do graduates typically work with earnings of $29,685-$33,192?

International Relations graduates in Texas often join federal agencies like the State Department, CIA, or border security organizations given the state's strategic location. Defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Bell Helicopter maintain major Texas operations requiring security-cleared professionals. NGOs and international trade organizations capitalize on Texas's role as a major port of entry. The relatively modest starting salaries reflect entry-level government positions that typically increase significantly with experience and security clearances.

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.