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Cheapest Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Colleges

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills offers the nation's most affordable Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution program at just $3,659 net cost annually. This stark contrast with programs reaching $18,627 reveals how strategic school selection can save students over $60,000 across four years. The field attracts students to careers with federal agencies like the State Department and USAID, where starting salaries range from $32,569 to $46,738 depending on education level and security clearance. Berea College stands out as the sole private institution making this affordable list at $4,483 net cost, thanks to its work-study program that covers tuition for all students. Public universities dominate the rankings, with Ohio's regional campuses offering particularly low costs between $4,503 and $6,483. The wide acceptance rates, from UNC Chapel Hill's selective 17.11% to Portland State's open 93.09%, reflect different educational approaches. Graduation rates vary significantly, with Berkeley and Chapel Hill exceeding 92% while several Ohio regional campuses struggle below 20%, highlighting the importance of institutional support systems for student success.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $27,823
Net Price Range
$39,393
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
6 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
7 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
8 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
9 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
10 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
11 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
12 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
13 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
14 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
15 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
16 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
17 $16,456 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
18 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
19 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
20 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
21 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
22 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
23 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
24 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
25 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
26 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
27 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
28 $21,385 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
29 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
30 $22,100 $32,150 47.0% 95.5%
31 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
32 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
33 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
34 $23,663 $48,268 72.7% 80.6%
35 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
36 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
37 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
38 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
39 $24,546 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
40 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
41 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
42 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
43 $25,884 $50,920 68.4% 90.5%
44 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
45 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
46 $26,881 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
47 $27,018 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
48 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
49 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
50 $27,823 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College affordable despite being private?

Berea College charges zero tuition to all students, covering educational costs through its endowment and requiring students to work 10-15 hours weekly on campus. The $4,483 net cost covers only room, board, and fees. This work-study model has operated since 1855, making quality education accessible regardless of family income. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate while serving primarily first-generation college students.

How do Ohio's regional campuses keep costs so low?

Ohio University's five regional campuses offer net costs between $4,503 and $6,483 by operating with smaller facilities and fewer residential programs. Students can complete their first two years locally before transferring to the main Athens campus. However, these campuses show concerning graduation rates between 12.10% and 20%, suggesting students may struggle with the transition. The Eastern Campus reports the lowest graduation rate at 20% despite costing just $4,503 annually.

Is UC Berkeley worth the higher cost for Peace Studies?

UC Berkeley graduates earn $46,738 starting salaries, the highest among these programs, justifying its $14,979 net cost. The university maintains an strong 92.9% graduation rate and accepts only 11.33% of applicants. Berkeley's proximity to international organizations and NGOs in the Bay Area creates strong internship opportunities. Students graduate with just $14,000 in debt on average, well below the national average.

Does attending a public university guarantee lower costs?

Public universities generally cost less, but the range spans from $3,659 at CSU-Dominguez Hills to $14,979 at UC Berkeley. In-state tuition varies dramatically, from $6,178 in Ohio to $14,850 at Berkeley. Berea College at $4,483 actually costs less than many public options. State funding levels and regional economic factors significantly impact public university pricing across different states.

Where do Peace Studies graduates typically find employment?

Federal agencies like the Department of State, USAID, and Department of Defense actively recruit Peace Studies graduates for conflict analysis and diplomatic roles. Nonprofit organizations including Doctors Without Borders and the International Committee of the Red Cross offer field positions. Starting salaries range from $32,569 to $46,738 depending on employer type and security clearance level. Many graduates pursue additional credentials in international law or regional expertise to advance their careers.

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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.