by our College Data Analytics Team
[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 22 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value international studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Business Administration - International Business
Earn the degree that can help you drive business beyond borders with a specialized online international business degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Earn the MBA that fits your borderless business goals – and your budget.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the international studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Clark University, our #1 best value for international studies in Massachusetts. Set in the city of Worcester, Clark University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,467. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $26,153. Early-career international studies graduates make about $43,257. Set against $26,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.
Brandeis University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waltham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $25,694. International Studies graduates of Brandeis University earn a median of $36,874 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%.
A rank of #3 makes College Of The Holy Cross one of the best values for international studies. College Of The Holy Cross is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Worcester. Students from in state pay about $64,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the international studies program here. Early-career international studies graduates make about $46,530. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Boston College one of the best values for international studies. Boston College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chestnut Hill. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the international studies program here. Early-career international studies graduates make about $51,371. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
4
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
