2027 Best Value International Security Schools in the Southeast Region
[International Security](/majors/social-sciences/international-relations-national-security/international-security/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for international security students.
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2027 Best Value International Security Schools in the Southeast Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the international security degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value International Security Schools
Fairmont State University earned the #1 spot for value among international security schools in the Southeast Region. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,708, with out-of-state students paying around $18,924. Typical student debt for international security graduates is $24,250. International Security graduates of Fairmont State University earn a median of $35,925 early in their careers. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Georgia earned it the #2 place for international security. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the international security program here. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $43,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in international security will find it at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #3. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. International Security graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $59,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.
George Mason University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value international security schools. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. International Security graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. International Security graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $59,015 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Auburn University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value international security schools. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete the international security program here. International Security graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $55,422 early in their careers. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants.
Liberty University landed the #6 spot for international security value this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete the international security program here. International Security graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $48,897 early in their careers. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
Duke University landed the #7 spot for international security value this year. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the international security program here. International Security graduates of Duke University earn a median of $71,278 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duke University admits about 6% 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.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
