2026 Best Value International Security Schools in the Southeast Region
[International Security](/majors/social-sciences/international-relations-national-security/international-security/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for international security students.
What’s on this page:
2026 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
For return on investment in international security, no school beat Fairmont State University this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. International Security graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from Fairmont State University generally make around $35,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in international security will find it at University Of North Georgia, which ranked #2. 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. International Security graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $43,564. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
East Carolina University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international security, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. International Security graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. International Security graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $51,931 early in their careers. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Students looking for strong value in international security will find it at North Carolina State University At Raleigh, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical student debt for international security graduates is $22,113. Early-career international security graduates make about $51,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
George Mason University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value international security schools. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the international security program here. Early-career international security graduates make about $59,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Auburn University placed #6 among the best values for international security. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. International Security graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $55,422. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
Liberty University earned the #7 position for value in international security this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. International Security graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international security degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $48,897. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Duke University placed #8 among the best values for international security. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. International Security graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. International Security graduates of Duke University earn a median of $71,278 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.
Narrow International Security Schools by State
More International Security Rankings
View All International Security Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 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.
