2026 Best Value International Relations Schools in California

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 best value for international relations in California. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $10,492. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $76,166. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $17,101. International Relations graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $68,368 early in their careers. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.

3

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco State University earned it the #3 place for international relations. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. International Relations graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. Early-career international relations graduates make about $31,254. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $18,914 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $27,021. Set against $18,914 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

5

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #5 place for international relations. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $12,416 to complete the international relations program here. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $34,949. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

6

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #6 for value in international relations this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. International Relations graduates carry a median of $17,134 in student loans. International Relations graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,134 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

7

Claremont Mckenna College
Claremont, CA

Claremont Mckenna College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Claremont Mckenna College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Students from in state pay about $67,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the international relations program here. International Relations graduates of Claremont Mckenna College earn a median of $66,028 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.

8

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego earned the #8 position for value in international relations this year. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Students borrow a median of $24,100 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $50,948. That is a strong return on a $24,100 median debt. University Of San Diego admits about 52% of applicants.

9

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #9 position for value in international relations this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $13,765. Early-career international relations graduates make about $52,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.

10

Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA

Occidental College earned the #10 position for value in international relations this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Occidental College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,274. International Relations graduates carry a median of $19,275 in student loans. International Relations graduates of Occidental College earn a median of $35,231 early in their careers. Set against $19,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. International Relations graduates carry a median of $24,508 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from University Of San Francisco generally make around $36,669. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.

12

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University placed #12 among the best values for international relations. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. International Relations graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career international relations graduates make about $34,575. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants.