Cheapest International Relations and National Security Studies Colleges in Virginia

Old Dominion University stands out dramatically in Virginia's International Relations and National Security Studies market with a net price of just $14,170, nearly $4,000 less than the next cheapest option. This gap becomes even more striking when comparing earnings potential across the state's programs, which range from $21,781 at Virginia Wesleyan to $45,383 at William & Mary. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. and Norfolk Naval Base creates strong demand for international relations graduates, with major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman actively recruiting from state universities. The cost divide between public and private institutions proves significant, with public schools averaging around $19,000 in net costs while private colleges often exceed $20,000 despite financial aid. Students can access quality programs at multiple price points, from ODU's budget-friendly option to UVA's top-tier program at $22,881.

Programs

$14,170 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$36,813

Avg. Program Earnings

65.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 International Relations and National Security Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170	$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
2	Mary Baldwin University Staunton, Virginia	$17,833	$33,157	55.7%
3	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
4	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436	$29,010	51.5%	95.0%
5	Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$18,749	$20,686	54.1%	32.3%
6	Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia	$18,849	$20,484	81.8%	71.1%
7	Bridgewater College Bridgewater, Virginia	$20,173	$41,350	49.4%	90.4%
8	University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia	$20,187	$35,540	61.6%	95.9%
9	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583	$36,960	49.1%	81.4%
10	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108	$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
11	James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia	$21,816	$13,576	80.9%	78.3%
12	Ferrum College Ferrum, Virginia	$22,085	$38,320	28.9%	84.3%
13	Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia	$22,263	$42,260	69.7%	72.4%
14	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
15	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
16	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
17	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
18	Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, Virginia	$24,668	$52,388	65.3%	39.8%
19	Randolph-Macon College Ashland, Virginia	$27,759	$48,002	74.6%	85.5%
20	Roanoke College Salem, Virginia	$27,786	$36,774	65.9%	79.8%
21	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
22	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145	$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
23	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417	$62,600	87.8%	24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Dominion University's program so affordable compared to other Virginia schools?

Old Dominion University offers the state's most affordable International Relations program at $14,170 net cost, benefiting from strong state funding and lower overhead costs in Norfolk. The university maintains a 95.14% acceptance rate while delivering solid career outcomes with graduates earning $30,771 annually. Its location near major military installations provides internship opportunities that help offset educational costs through practical experience.

How do earnings vary between the most and least expensive programs in Virginia?

William & Mary graduates earn $45,383 annually at a net cost of $22,529, while Virginia Wesleyan graduates earn $21,781 at $20,583 net cost. This creates an interesting value proposition where the most expensive program delivers the highest returns. The earnings gap of over $20,000 annually suggests that program prestige and university connections significantly impact career trajectories in international relations.

Does Virginia's location provide job advantages for international relations graduates?

Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. and major defense installations creates substantial career opportunities for international relations graduates. Major employers including Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit from Virginia universities for national security positions. The state's concentration of federal agencies and defense contractors means graduates often find positions without relocating, reducing post-graduation costs.

What graduation rate differences exist between affordable and expensive Virginia programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly across Virginia's affordable international relations programs, from Ferrum College's concerning 28.90% to UVA's excellent 95.30%. Mid-priced options like James Madison University achieve strong 80.90% graduation rates at $21,816 net cost. The data shows that higher costs often correlate with better graduation rates, though exceptions like ODU provide reasonable outcomes at budget prices.

Is the VTAG grant worth considering for private college costs?

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant helps reduce private college costs, though significant gaps remain between public and private options. Private colleges like Mary Baldwin University still average over $17,000 in net costs despite grant assistance. Students comparing options should calculate total costs including VTAG benefits, as some private schools may become competitive with out-of-state public university rates.

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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.