2026 Best Value International Studies Schools in Colorado

[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) 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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for international studies students.
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Featured International Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2026 Best Value International Studies Schools in Colorado
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in international studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value International Studies Schools
University Of Northern Colorado earned the #1 spot for value among international studies schools in Colorado. Located in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $45,705 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado Denver is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international studies, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. International Studies graduates carry a median of $24,618 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Colorado Denver generally make around $25,307. Set against $24,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Located in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. International Studies graduates carry a median of $19,763 in student loans. Early-career international studies graduates make about $28,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Colorado Boulder one of the best values for international studies. Located in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. International Studies graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Early-career international studies graduates make about $33,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Denver, which ranked #5. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. International Studies graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $56,999. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 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.