2026 Best Value International/Global Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot for value among international/global studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. International/global Studies graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $44,877 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.

2

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska At Omaha earned it the #2 place for international/global studies. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public school located in the city of Omaha. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $20,527 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international/global studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $33,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Students looking for strong value in international/global studies will find it at Southeast Missouri State University, which ranked #3. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the international/global studies program here. International/global Studies graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $25,984 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

4

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value international/global studies schools. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $20,500. International/global Studies graduates of University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of $36,926 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kansas earned it the #5 place for international/global studies. Located in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical student debt for international/global studies graduates is $23,608. International/global Studies graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $56,289 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

6

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis landed the #6 spot for international/global studies value this year. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. International/global Studies graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $38,854 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%.

7

Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College came in at #7 for value in international/global studies this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,104. International/global Studies graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international/global studies degree recipients from Macalester College generally make around $21,176. Set against $23,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Macalester College admits about 28% of applicants.