by our College Data Analytics Team
[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong international studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for international studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in international studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Colby College tops our 2027 list of the best value international studies schools in the New England Region. Located in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,600. International Studies graduates carry a median of $22,016 in student loans. Early-career international studies graduates make about $42,756. That is a strong return on a $22,016 median debt. Colby College admits about 7% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Massachusetts Boston one of the best values for international studies. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. International Studies graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. International Studies graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of Vermont came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value international studies schools. Set in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,058, with out-of-state students paying around $45,502. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of University Of Vermont earn a median of $33,757 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Maine, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. International Studies graduates carry a median of $25,984 in student loans. International Studies graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $47,975 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.
A rank of #5 makes University Of New Hampshire Main Campus one of the best values for international studies. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Durham. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,852. International Studies graduates carry a median of $26,368 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of New Hampshire Main Campus generally make around $52,064. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Brandeis University landed the #6 spot for international studies value this year. Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waltham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,080. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $25,694. Early-career international studies graduates make about $36,874. That is a strong return on a $25,694 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.
College Of The Holy Cross placed #7 among the best values for international studies. Located in the city of Worcester, College Of The Holy Cross is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. 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. International Studies graduates of College Of The Holy Cross earn a median of $46,530 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted.
Boston College came in at #8 for value in international studies this year. Set in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants.
Providence College landed the #9 spot for international studies value this year. Providence College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. In-state tuition and fees average $63,550. International Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career international studies graduates make about $53,208. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.