2026 Best Value International Relations & National Security Schools in Massachusetts

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Our analysis ranked Harvard University the best value for a degree in international relations & national security in Massachusetts. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical student debt for international relations & national security graduates is $16,616. International Relations & National Security graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

2

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned it the #2 place for international relations & national security. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $53,543. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.

3

University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA

University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international relations & national security, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $67,146. That is a strong return on a $25,574 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

University Of Massachusetts Boston came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value international relations & national security schools. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, with out-of-state students paying around $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $52,885. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

5

Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wellesley College earned it the #5 place for international relations & national security. Located in the suburb of Wellesley, Wellesley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,176. Students borrow a median of $11,075 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Wellesley College generally make around $48,902. Set against $11,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wellesley College admits about 14% of applicants.

6

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University placed #6 among the best values for international relations & national security. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career international relations & national security graduates make about $48,622. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%.

7

Suffolk University
Boston, MA

Suffolk University landed the #7 spot for international relations & national security value this year. Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,550. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $26,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Suffolk University generally make around $57,261. Set against $26,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

8

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Northeastern University landed the #8 spot for international relations & national security value this year. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. International Relations & National Security graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. International Relations & National Security graduates of Northeastern University earn a median of $60,311 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants.

9

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University placed #9 among the best values for international relations & national security. Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Students borrow a median of $16,375 to complete the international relations & national security program here. Soon after graduation, international relations & national security degree recipients from Tufts University generally make around $63,706. That is a strong return on a $16,375 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.