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2027 Best Value International Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

7 Colleges in the United States
$21,198 Avg Student Debt
$61,567 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value International Studies Badge [International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value international studies schools.

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2027 Best Value International Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in international studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value International Studies Schools

1

Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot for value among international studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $14,935. Early-career international studies graduates make about $44,877. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Nebraska At Omaha one of the best values for international studies. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Students borrow a median of $20,527 to complete the international studies program here. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $33,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value international studies schools. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $20,500. Early-career international studies graduates make about $36,926. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

4
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kansas earned it the #4 place for international studies. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. International Studies graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. International Studies graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $56,289 early in their careers. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.

5

A rank of #5 makes Washington University In St Louis one of the best values for international studies. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete the international studies program here. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $38,854. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

6
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa earned the #6 position for value in international studies this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. International Studies graduates carry a median of $25,242 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $28,140. That is a strong return on a $25,242 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.

7
Macalester College crest
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College landed the #7 spot for international studies value this year. Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,104. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $23,324. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from Macalester College generally make around $21,176. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Macalester College admits about 28% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 7 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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