2026 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Rice University
Houston, TX

Our analysis ranked Rice University the best value for a degree in international relations in the Southwest Region. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $82,320. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.

2

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At San Antonio earned it the #2 place for international relations. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $24,343. Early-career international relations graduates make about $25,879. Set against $24,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

3

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. International Relations graduates carry a median of $20,632 in student loans. International Relations graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $29,924 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,632 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

A rank of #4 makes Texas State University San Marcos one of the best values for international relations. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. International Relations graduates carry a median of $18,344 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $20,547. That is a strong return on a $18,344 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete the international relations program here. International Relations graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $61,625 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

6

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #6 for value in international relations this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. International Relations graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $62,296. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants.

7

St Marys University
San Antonio, TX

St Marys University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. Students from in state pay about $37,434 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $25,040. International Relations graduates of St Marys University earn a median of $56,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants.

8

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
Prescott, AZ

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Set in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,974. Students borrow a median of $22,901 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $46,868. That is a strong return on a $22,901 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott admits about 77% of applicants.

9

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Baylor University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Students borrow a median of $22,409 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $37,507. That is a strong return on a $22,409 median debt. The acceptance rate is 51%.