College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Value International Relations Schools in Pennsylvania

8 Colleges in the United States
$21,597 Avg Student Debt
$88,754 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value International Relations Badge [International Relations](/majors/social-sciences/international-relations-national-security/international-relations/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for international relations students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value International Relations Schools in Pennsylvania

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

Best Value International Relations Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University World Campus the best value for a degree in international relations in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $25,000. International Relations graduates of Pennsylvania State University World Campus earn a median of $45,858 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #2 place for international relations. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Students borrow a median of $10,470 to complete the international relations program here. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $65,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned it the #3 place for international relations. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the international relations program here. Early-career international relations graduates make about $60,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the best values for international relations. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $23,529. Soon after graduation, international relations degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value international relations schools. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $25,000. Early-career international relations graduates make about $45,858. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6
Lafayette College crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA

Lafayette College landed the #6 spot for international relations value this year. Set in the suburb of Easton, Lafayette College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,648. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $16,620. Early-career international relations graduates make about $58,433. Set against $16,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lafayette College admits about 31% of applicants.

7
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University earned the #7 position for value in international relations this year. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. International Relations graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. International Relations graduates of Lehigh University earn a median of $36,147 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 26%.

8
Bucknell University crest
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA

Bucknell University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value international relations schools. Located in the town of Lewisburg, Bucknell University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,812 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international relations graduates is $25,951. Early-career international relations graduates make about $77,312. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants.

View All International Relations Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options