by our College Data Analytics Team
[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 14 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value international studies schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the international studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in international studies, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $10,000. Early-career international studies graduates make about $29,287. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Wyoming is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $17,375 to complete the international studies program here. Early-career international studies graduates make about $29,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Utah one of the best values for international studies. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $25,611. Early-career international studies graduates make about $46,062. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Northern Colorado, which ranked #4. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $23,974. International Studies graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $45,705 early in their careers. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Colorado Denver, which ranked #5. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $24,618. Early-career international studies graduates make about $25,307. Set against $24,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
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Boise State University landed the #6 spot for international studies value this year. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $24,311. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $49,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,763 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of $28,919 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #8 for value in international studies this year. University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public school located in the city of Boulder. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $17,600. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $33,892. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Denver ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $22,534. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $56,999. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
