2026 Best Value International Relations Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #1 spot for value among international relations schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $21,167. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $28,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

Students looking for strong value in international relations will find it at University Of Iowa, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $26,030 to complete the international relations program here. International Relations graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $36,376 early in their careers. Set against $26,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

3

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

A rank of #3 makes Webster University one of the best values for international relations. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $66,017. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

Carleton College
Northfield, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carleton College earned it the #4 place for international relations. Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. In-state tuition and fees average $68,892. Students borrow a median of $17,566 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $45,096. Set against $17,566 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 20%.

5

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Set in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. International Relations graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Early-career international relations graduates make about $61,548. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt.

6

Drake University
Des Moines, IA

Drake University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. International Relations graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Early-career international relations graduates make about $56,228. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.