2026 Best Value International Relations & National Security Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Rice University
Houston, TX

Our analysis ranked Rice University the best value for a degree in international relations & national security in the Southwest Region. Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Rice University generally make around $82,320. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

2

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

Students looking for strong value in international relations & national security will find it at The University Of Texas At El Paso, which ranked #2. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. International Relations & National Security graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $79,569 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

3

Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX

Angelo State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international relations & national security, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of San Angelo, Angelo State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international relations & national security graduates is $11,066. International Relations & National Security graduates of Angelo State University earn a median of $56,883 early in their careers. Set against $11,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.

4

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international relations & national security, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Typical student debt for international relations & national security graduates is $24,343. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $25,879. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Students looking for strong value in international relations & national security will find it at Northern Arizona University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,632 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $29,924. That is a strong return on a $20,632 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

6

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona landed the #6 spot for international relations & national security value this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $75,863. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

7

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #7 for value in international relations & national security this year. 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, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,344 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $20,547. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

8

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #8 position for value in international relations & national security this year. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. 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 & national security program here. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $61,625. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

9

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #9 for value in international relations & national security this year. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $62,296. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants.

10

St Marys University
San Antonio, TX

St Marys University came in at #10 for value in international relations & national security this year. St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from St Marys University generally make around $56,547. That is a strong return on a $25,040 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.

11

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
Prescott, AZ

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott placed #11 among the best values for international relations & national security. Set in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $22,901 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott generally make around $46,868. That is a strong return on a $22,901 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

12

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Baylor University landed the #12 spot for international relations & national security value this year. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. Typical student debt for international relations & national security graduates is $22,409. International Relations & National Security graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $37,507 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,409 median debt. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.