2026 Best Value International Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Southeast Community College Area tops our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $14,935. International Studies graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $44,877 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.

2

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska At Omaha earned it the #2 place for international studies. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $20,527. Early-career international studies graduates make about $33,798. Set against $20,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at Southeast Missouri State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $25,984 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

A rank of #4 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values for international studies. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. International Studies graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. International Studies graduates of University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of $36,926 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

5

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Kansas, which ranked #5. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $23,608. International Studies graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $56,289 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

6

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete the international studies program here. Early-career international studies graduates make about $38,854. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.

7

Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College landed the #7 spot for international studies value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. International Studies graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. International Studies graduates of Macalester College earn a median of $21,176 early in their careers. Set against $23,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.