2023 Best Colleges for International Relations in America

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  4,648 reviews

Alum: Great culture and even better campus. Layout of the campus supports a huge biking culture. Campus itself is also beautiful. Campus is diverse. However, there's limited things to do socially unless you enjoy outdoor activities.... Read 4,648 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,151 reviews

Senior: UCI is a large campus full of diverse people and many experiences. The teachers, more often than not, are adequate at explaining difficult concepts. The campus can be very lively for those who live on-campus or become involved in campus life, but on the other hand it can be very isolating for commuters and people who do not decide to join clubs/greek life. In my experience, the counselors were a lot more helpful and kind than I imagined but it depends highly on your major. Overall, great school but would recommend being involved and not being afraid to reach out to others, be it professor, counselor, or other classmates.... Read 4,151 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  7,303 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Florida International University has been amazing! The campus is vibrant, the professors are knowledgeable, and the diversity is inspiring. I love the inclusive atmosphere and the wide range of programs available. The resources and support have been invaluable. Overall, I'm grateful to be part of the FIU community!... Read 7,303 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• San Antonio, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,080 reviews

Graduate Student: LLM FOREIGN ATTORNEYS- I have good experience with the Dean; she is so kind and smart if you want your dreams to come true and you have a bachelor's degree form another country please ask for this program. This program is designed for attorneys who finalized their career in other countries and they want to practice law in the US... Read 1,080 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $17,899

• SAT range 1040-1220

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,800 reviews

Senior: City College continues to be an interesting adventure. It consists of a diverse community of students of like-minded individuals who work well together despite academic struggles. I am currently a senior at this 4-year college and have had my fair share of both successful and unsuccessful experiences. Regardless of the outcome of these experiences, I have fortunately had both students and faculty members by my side to support me.... Read 1,800 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,257 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my experience at SDSU has been mostly positive. The campus is well maintained and there are countless academic resources for me to take advantage of. I would regularly visit their main library in order to study, and I'd say that I prefer studying there than at home. The teachers do mostly well at their job and give their students the tools necessary to succeed. Commuting to school is not only quick, but convenient as there is a trolley station within campus. I do not regret my decision to attend this school, though I wish some financial burden was lifted off of me and my parents.... Read 5,257 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  683 reviews

Alum: I love UST! UST gave me the opportunity to grow all around as a person. Living on campus, you belong to a family and a community. The class sizes are perfect for persons who love small class sizes. The size of the classes allows for the professors to give each student personal time. The staff was like my parents away from home, they not only cared about my work in the classroom but they cared about me outside of the classroom. UST focuses on their students in and out of the class, they care for everyone and I love it there.... Read 683 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $20,130

• SAT range 1040-1220

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,589 reviews

Senior: I like the community here in University of California, Riverside. The ratio of professor and students is fairly good since there are several TAs helping students out for packed courses. The campus is always filled with constructions but I like the fact that there are trees all over campus that helps with the pollution problem in Riverside. I feel like my school is quite under-rated.... Read 3,589 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $13,502

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  1,264 reviews

Freshman: Since I just graduated High School, Saint Edward’s was one of my first college choices to choose from! I have a cousin who went there and he was the captain for the cheer team for I believe to be 2 years and he just loved his experience there. He took me on my first tour for the university and I loved how the campus is surrounded by so much nature and space. I love being able to go outside and breathe whenever I feel cluttered with too much stress or work. That is why I chose to commit to St. Edward’s! I also enjoyed touring most of the buildings and getting the feel about how it’s gonna be when I finally get the chance to move into my new home! I have a lot of faith in this school and I hope that the people there can help me find who I am supposed to be in this world. I also can’t wait to be able to explore the rest of Austin while I am getting my education at Saint Edward’s University!... Read 1,264 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $24,668

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Fort Lauderdale, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,977 reviews

Senior: Great school, a lot of diversity, excellent professors. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry is the only optometric academic institution in the state of Florida. Students are able to enjoy South Florida's renowned weather, beaches, and other attractions and participate in the college's numerous student organizations while receiving strong didactic and clinical training that will thoroughly prepare them for their professional careers. At Nova, every student has an iPad so that we can take notes, record lectures, and take exams on them. We also have an elaborate fitness center that includes workout classes to keep us working on our fitness. Another great opportunity that students take advantage of is dual enrollment. Optometry students at Nova also have the opportunity to explore different optometric specialties within the clinical setting. Whether your interests lie in pediatrics, ocular disease, contact lenses, or low vision, they have us covered! Loving the experience... Read 1,977 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $26,530

• SAT range 1040-1310

• Orlando, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22,085 reviews

Freshman: I am an early admittance student slated to begin my journey as a college freshman during my senior year of high school at UCF starting in August of 2023. My experience has been incredibly positive so far beginning with my initial tour of the campus, through the application and acceptance process and lastly checking off my "to do" checklist in order to be ready for orientation. Every campus employee that I have encountered has been welcoming, encouraging and informative which has alleviated much of the pressure of being a first time college student! I highly recommend this institution of higher education!... Read 22,085 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $11,575

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  4,743 reviews

Alum: The location really stood out to me. You had the pleasure of both LA and Orange County being not too far of a drive. My favorite parts of the campus included the Recreation Center, Horn Center, and Library. The Recreation Center and Horn Center were very accessible due to being on lower campus and overall felt modern and well-kept. The library was great, but the nicest floor, the 5th floor, felt only usable to study during the summer since there was low foot traffic on campus. I biked to campus during my last few semesters and I enjoyed how bike-friendly the campus was. The campus boasted great diversity and the staff that I worked with were extremely helpful in developing students. I wish the campus had more outdoor seating/lounging areas and a more centralized Greek Row. The parking could be difficult at times and walking to class could also be a feat, but once you figured out how to time things and make use of the on-campus public transportation, it was not too difficult.... Read 4,743 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  987 reviews

Junior: Alverno College has a unique academic strategy that prepares you for "the outside world". The performance based grading allows for self improvement instead of student to student comparison. Diversity of students is represented as many first generation students attend here! Class sizes are small and professors accommodate to your learning needs. To strive at this college, one must be motivated, dedicated, and have a willingness to grow.... Read 987 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,243

• SAT range 770-1050

• Lubbock, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  5,231 reviews

Sophomore: The campus is beautiful! My advisor is very helpful, exactly why I picked Texas Tech University! My advisor can answer any question I have within seconds and not waste time. Makes me feel welcoming and exactly where I am suppose to be!... Read 5,231 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,057

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Redlands, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  902 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Redlands is a hidden gem in the inland empire. This university has taught me so much already just in my freshman year. It taught me how to get work done efficiently, how important it is to network, and how important it is to have a supportive faculty and supportive fellow students around you. The resources and the facilities are not bad for a small college, however I would like to see and improvement in them. Besides that it has truly been a good experience. They have made my life as a student-athlete much less stressful with the help they give each and every one of us. I am excited to see what the University of Redlands has in store for me in the future!... Read 902 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $21,578

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Albuquerque, NM•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  3,703 reviews

Senior: I love UNM! The studio arts program is strong. Through the College of Fine Arts, I have found opportunities to show my work, publish writing, and connect with prestigious artists. Professors here truly want you to succeed, even if they're adjuncts. I have a work study job at the UNM Art Museum, where I'm happy to be surrounded by coworkers who are kind, compassionate, and intelligent. Working in an institution closely related to my major has enhanced my education. Clinicians at Student Health and Counseling have been so supportive and essential to my wellbeing while I've been in school here. I also feel fortunate to have support for my disabilities through the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). All that said, the surrounding area isn't very safe. I get frequent text alerts from public safety about violent incidents on or close to campus. I wish I had more professors teaching studio arts courses instead of graduate students.... Read 3,703 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $11,396

• SAT range 1030-1250

• San Marcos, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6,446 reviews

Alum: There was so much to do, and so little time! I loved having the opportunities to take whatever classes I found interesting, and for all the socials and clubs that were offered. The only thing I would change, is the system for getting into the counseling. College is mentally draining, and their counselors were there on a first-come-first-serve basis--which was counterintuitive for those of us with depression that couldn't even get out of bed, let alone call their office as soon as they opened to mayyybe get an appointment scheduled.... Read 6,446 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $16,385

• SAT range 990-1180

• Denton, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6,013 reviews

Freshman: The atmosphere and the people are great here! There are plenty of events with free food and prizes all throughout each semester! Anytime I’ve needed help, it was easy to access by making appointments or simply just showing up. I really enjoyed the classes and most of my professors were great teachers and knew their subject very well. Not to mention their passion for it and teaching! Campus is beautiful! There’s some construction and older buildings, but it all goes pretty quickly and it’s all for improvements to campus. I love how it’s tucked away in its own little area with only a few streets passing through, making it feel safe and easy to travel around by walking or biking.... Read 6,013 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,915

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Purchase, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  860 reviews

Alum: I graduated here in 2018. I met one of my best friends there. The classes are small, the library has what you need. The food was great, I thought. There was more campus life than it seems, you just have to look for it. The campus is beautiful, and the dorms were great, since they renovated them while I was there. If you like small classes, they are great, and the professors are really helpful. If you have learning and/or physical disabilities like me then they have a great program for that! They have two gyms, (one for sports and the other for regular exercise) and they are both great. They have two chapels and a cemetery for the nuns that used to run the college. If you are a spiritual person (no matter the faith), you can enhance your spirituality there.... Read 860 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $21,969

• SAT range 1020-1230

• San Angelo, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Junior: My experience at this college is great! The professors are really understanding here and make academics and personal life easier for students. The moral with football games, on campus organization events is exceptional. The food here too is also great along with living on campus in the dormitories.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,835

• SAT range 950-1160

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  732 reviews

Junior: I'm a recent transfer student so I can only speak of my initial thoughts. The school is nothing like what I thought it would be. Since it is a private Roman Catholic University, I thought it would be extremely conservative, and prejudice toward different minority groups. It's actually quite the opposite, I haven't seen a university more diverse and the faculty is VERY interactive with the students. Though it is on the pricier side, the school is clear about that money going into student life events. I haven't been to any but, from orientation, they sound like fun!... Read 732 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $18,476

• SAT range 910-1160

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  3,651 reviews

Freshman: Attending San Francisco State University as a freshman was an enriching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. From the moment I set foot on campus, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and diverse community. The faculty members were passionate and dedicated, always going the extra mile to support and engage students in their academic journey. The wide range of courses offered allowed me to explore my interests and discover new passions. Additionally, the campus was bustling with student organizations and events, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and making lifelong friendships. The beautiful campus, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, offered a unique backdrop for learning and inspired a sense of creativity and exploration. Overall, my time at San Francisco State University as a freshman was unforgettable and set the foundation for an incredible college experience.... Read 3,651 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $13,641

• SAT range 930-1130

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  2,822 reviews

Junior: California Baptist University is a school of community! This university does its best to involve every student in the community! There are events every month and many giveaway opportunities. They incorporate local services into their events! For example, CBU hosted a viewing of The Batman (2022) movie and inclusive service at the local Castle Park amusement center. CBU celebrates events at every corner. Students of differing fields of study or demographic may come together at larger events or feel included in smaller, interest-specific events. The size of the campus is perfect for these efforts! The campus is what I would describe as a size medium. It is not too big, where students would reduced to a number. It is not too small, where high-school-like drama spreads easily. California Baptist University is just right! Student life may expect a community-feeling to their time at CBU.... Read 2,822 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Thousand Oaks, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,157 reviews

Freshman: I love the university, it's located in a safe area, where there are many places to go and hang out, like the mall or the beach. I love that is a small campus and as well the classroom. Therefore you can get access to any services when you needed, such as office hours, counseling, study room, and more. I love that it has its campus security as well as Starbucks, habit, and Jama Juice. But for me, it's more about the service help and programs that are offered to help with your major or minors and also to first-generation students like me. I did struggle to adjust to college life, but with the resources given to me, I was able to do fine. Another thing why I love about the University is the Study Abroad Program. Which I am looking forward to applying to. Overall, I am proud that I go to a small university and where I am as a college student.... Read 1,157 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $24,065

• SAT range 1090-1290

• Seaside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,723 reviews

Sophomore: While attending this school, I did not receive the typical college experience. With a smaller campus population, I was able to really connect with my peers and professors. You can absolutely see how much the staff and professors care about their students at this school.... Read 1,723 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $6,085

• SAT range 960-1170