2026 Best Value International Studies Schools in Texas

[International Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/international-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for international studies students.
What’s on this page:
ADVERTISEMENTS
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 Texas
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in international studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value International Studies Schools
For return on investment in international studies, no school beat University Of North Texas this year. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $21,033. International Studies graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $30,621 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,033 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #2 place for international studies. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $18,535. International Studies graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $42,701 early in their careers. Set against $18,535 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.
The University Of Texas At Arlington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $25,028. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Arlington generally make around $29,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at Texas State University San Marcos, which ranked #4. Located in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,313 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $37,397 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,313 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #5 place for international studies. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $18,000. Early-career international studies graduates make about $41,886. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
St Marys University earned the #6 position for value in international studies this year. St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. International Studies graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. International Studies graduates of St Marys University earn a median of $42,786 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Edwards University landed the #7 spot for international studies value this year. Set in the city of Austin, Saint Edwards University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,384. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of Saint Edwards University earn a median of $36,305 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
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 · 16 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.