2023 Best Value Colleges for International Relations (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region
35
Ranked Colleges
1,290
Degrees Awarded
$10,500
Avg Net Price*
When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.
In 2020-2021, 13,117 people earned their degree in international relations, making the major the 63rd most popular in the United States.
Across the Great Lakes region, there were 1,290 international relations graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.
For this year’s “Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 35 colleges that offer a degree in international relations. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent international relations programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.
When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the international relations program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.
More Ways to Rank International Relations Schools
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.
In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k
The colleges and universities below are the best for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
Top 25 Best Value Colleges for International Relations (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northwestern University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Evanston, Illinois, this large private not-for-profit school handed out 42 degrees to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
Northwestern not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $245 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Northwestern.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 97%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.
Full Northwestern International Relations Report
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Chicago. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 162 degrees to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
UChicago not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Chicago is $2,500 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 100%.
Full University of Chicago International Relations Report
Out of the 35 schools in the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Indiana University - Bloomington landed the #3 spot on the list. Bloomington, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s international relations degrees to 113 students in 2020-2021.
IU Bloomington also made our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #3. The yearly cost to attend IU Bloomington is $5,752 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full IU Bloomington International Relations Report
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UW - Madison is a large public school situated in Madison, Wisconsin. It awarded 20 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
UW - Madison not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UW - Madison is $3,981 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read full report on International Relations at UW - Madison
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Ohio State University - Main Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Ohio State University - Main Campus is located in Columbus, Ohio and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 176 ’s international relations degrees to qualified students.
Ohio State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $7,068 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Ohio State University - Main Campus.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read full report on International Relations at Ohio State
Michigan State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. Michigan State is a large school located in East Lansing, Michigan that handed out 106 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
Michigan State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Michigan State is $6,927 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about International Relations at Michigan State University
Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 20 ’s international relations degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k list, IUPUI has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis is $7,026 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis International Relations Report
With a ranking of #8, Beloit College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Beloit, Wisconsin, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 13 degrees to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
Beloit also made our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #12. The estimated yearly cost for Beloit College is $7,970 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 90%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full Beloit International Relations Report
Miami University - Oxford came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Miami University - Oxford is located in Oxford, Ohio and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 91 ’s international relations degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k list, Miami University - Oxford has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $13,956 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Miami University - Oxford.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 88%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read full report on International Relations at Miami University - Oxford
With a ranking of #10, University of Southern Indiana did quite well on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Evansville, Indiana is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s international relations degrees to 9 students in 2020-2021.
USI also took the #19 spot in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $7,815 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend USI.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at University of Southern Indiana
Oakland University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Oakland is a fairly large school located in Rochester Hills, Michigan that handed out 16 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $8,949 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Oakland.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full Oakland University International Relations Report
Grand Valley State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. GVSU is a public institution located in Allendale, Michigan. The school has a large population, and it awarded 36 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at GVSU, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend GVSU is $10,259 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at Grand Valley State University
Indiana University - Southeast landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Indiana University - Southeast is a small school located in New Albany, Indiana that handed out 7 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Indiana University - Southeast is $7,587 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
Full Indiana University - Southeast International Relations Report
With a ranking of #14, Denison University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Granville, Ohio is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s international relations degrees to 17 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Denison, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $15,242 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Denison University.
The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about International Relations at Denison University
Wheaton College Illinois landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution located in Wheaton, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 34 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Wheaton College Illinois not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $15,933 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Wheaton College Illinois.
The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 90%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at Wheaton College Illinois
Central Michigan University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. Mount Pleasant, Michigan is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s international relations degrees to 20 students in 2020-2021.
Central Michigan did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $10,805 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Central Michigan University.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.8% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full Central Michigan International Relations Report
Northern Michigan University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. This medium-sized school is located in Marquette, Michigan, and it awarded 3 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $8,958 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Northern Michigan University.
Full Northern Michigan University International Relations Report
Marquette University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #18. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 39 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Marquette did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Marquette is $18,589 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at Marquette
Walsh University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Walsh University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in North Canton, Ohio. It awarded 5 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
Walsh not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #25 on our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Walsh is $13,297 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at Walsh
University of Cincinnati - Main Campus landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Cincinnati - Main Campus is a large school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 42 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Cincinnati - Main Campus is $15,061 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read full report on International Relations at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus
Lake Forest College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 16 diplomas to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Lake Forest, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lake Forest is $15,933 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on International Relations at Lake Forest College
The College of Wooster did quite well in the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #22. Located in Wooster, Ohio, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 14 diplomas to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k list, Wooster College has also earned the #21 rank in our “Best International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $12,636 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Wooster College.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full The College of Wooster International Relations Report
Kent State University at Kent came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Kent State University at Kent is a large school located in Kent, Ohio that handed out 10 ’s international relations degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Kent State University at Kent is $13,793 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read full report on International Relations at Kent State University at Kent
Cleveland State University landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s international relations degrees to 25 students in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Cleveland State University is $13,272 for great lakes region international relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
Full Cleveland State University International Relations Report
With a ranking of #25, Kalamazoo College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value International Relations Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 8 diplomas to qualified ’s international relations students in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend K College is $17,814 for Great Lakes Region International Relations students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about International Relations at Kalamazoo College
