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2023 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools

Identifying Quality Schools at More Affordable Prices

664 Colleges
$11,724 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$34,387 Avg Salary

Finding the Best Political Science & Government School for You

In 2020-2021, 49,282 people earned a degree or certificate in political science and government, making the major the #20 most popular in the United States.

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Political Science & Government Schools ranking. Our analysis looked at 664 schools in the United States to see which programs offered the best value experiences for political science students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

2023 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in the United States

The colleges and universities below are the best value schools for political science majors pursuing a .

Top 25 Best Schools for Affordable Quality in Political Science & Government

$4,416 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Brigham Young University - Idaho to be the best value school for political science and government students who want to pursue a degree in the United States. Located in the town of Rexburg, BYU - I is a private not-for-profit college with a very large student population.

BYU - I undergraduate students pay an average of $4,416 in tuition and fees each year. Political Science majors at BYU - I take out an average of $12,021 in student loans while working on their egree.

Full Political Science & Government at Brigham Young University - Idaho Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Brigham Young University - Provo. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Political Science & Government Schools list. Located in the medium-sized city of Provo, BYU is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at BYU are $6,120 a year. Political Science majors at BYU take out an average of $15,960 in student loans while working on their egree.

BYU also claimed a spot on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Full Political Science & Government at Brigham Young University - Provo Report

The excellent programs at American Public University System helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best political science and government schools in the United States. American Military University is a very large private for-profit school located in the fringe town of Charles Town.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at American Military University are $7,360 a year. On average, political science graduates from American Military University take out $19,814 in student loans while working on their degree.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, American Military University also did well on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list. It’s in the top 5% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

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#4

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, CA

Out of the 664 schools in the United States that were part of this year’s ranking, Santa Rosa Junior College landed the # 4 spot on the list. SRJC is a fairly large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SRJC are $8,952 per year.

SRJC excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 5% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

Full Political Science & Government at Santa Rosa Junior College Report

#5

Park University

Parkville, MO

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Park University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools list. Located in the large suburb of Parkville, Park University is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Park University are $8,853 a year.

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$7,344 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, College of Western Idaho did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. Located in the rural area of Nampa, CWI is a public college with a large student population.

CWI undergraduate students pay an average of $7,344 in tuition and fees each year. On average, political science graduates from CWI take out $11,838 in student loans while working on their degree.

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With a ranking of #7, University of Maryland Global Campus did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. UMGC is a very large public school located in the suburb of Adelphi.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UMGC are $12,336 a year. After completing their degree, political science graduates from UMGC carry an average student debtload of $18,039.

UMGC also claimed a spot on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools in this category.

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Arizona State University - Skysong landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Located in the city of Scottsdale, ASU - Skysong is a public school with a fairly large student population.

ASU - Skysong undergraduate students pay an average of $13,092 in tuition and fees each year. Political Science majors at ASU - Skysong take out an average of $23,251 in student loans while working on their egree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $357.

ASU - Skysong excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

Full Political Science & Government at Arizona State University - Skysong Report

#9

Rose State College

Midwest City, OK
$11,131 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Rose State College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. RSC is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Midwest City.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RSC are $11,131 per year.

Full Political Science & Government at Rose State College Report

#10

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, NY

The Graduate Center, CUNY came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Political Science & Government Schools ranking. Located in the large city of New York, The Graduate Center is a public college with a medium-sized student population.

The Graduate Center undergraduate students pay an average of $15,360 in tuition and fees each year.

In addition to its great value ranking, The Graduate Center is in the top 5% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

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$7,540 Average Tuition & Fees

Central New Mexico Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Political Science & Government Schools ranking. CNM is a large public school located in the city of Albuquerque.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at CNM are $7,540 a year.

Full Political Science & Government at Central New Mexico Community College Report

#12

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA
$9,039 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #12, Nicholls State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. Nicholls State University is a medium-sized public school located in the small city of Thibodaux.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Nicholls State University are $9,039 a year.

Full Political Science & Government at Nicholls State University Report

University of Wisconsin - River Falls landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Located in the town of River Falls, UW - River Falls is a public college with a medium-sized student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UW - River Falls are $15,661 per year.

UW - River Falls excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

Full Political Science & Government at University of Wisconsin - River Falls Report

#15

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University of North Dakota ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Political Science & Government Schools list. Located in the city of Grand Forks, UND is a public school with a large student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UND are $15,037 per year.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UND also is in the top 15% of our Best Political Science & Government Schools ranking.

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$9,818 Average Tuition & Fees

Harrisburg Area Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Located in the small city of Harrisburg, HACC is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at HACC are $9,818 per year.

Full Political Science & Government at Harrisburg Area Community College Report

South Dakota State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Located in the remote town of Brookings, South Dakota State is a public school with a large student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at South Dakota State are $12,809 a year. Political Science majors at South Dakota State take out an average of $24,500 in student loans while working on their egree.

In addition to its great value ranking, South Dakota State is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

Full Political Science & Government at South Dakota State University Report

#18

National University

La Jolla, CA

With a ranking of #18, National University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the large city of La Jolla.

National University undergraduate students pay an average of $13,320 in tuition and fees each year.

National University excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list.

Full Political Science & Government at National University Report

$7,495 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Carolina at Pembroke did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for political science and government students. It came in at #19 on the list. UNC Pembroke is a medium-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UNC Pembroke are $7,495 a year. After completing their degree, political science graduates from UNC Pembroke carry an average student debtload of $27,000.

Full Political Science & Government at University of North Carolina at Pembroke Report

With a ranking of #20, University of Minnesota - Morris did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. UMN Morris is a small public school located in the remote town of Morris.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UMN Morris are $15,940 a year.

UMN Morris also claimed a spot on our Best Political Science & Government Schools list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Full Political Science & Government at University of Minnesota - Morris Report

#21

Columbia College

Columbia, MO

With a ranking of #21, Columbia College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for political science and government students. Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

Columbia College Missouri undergraduate students pay an average of $11,636 in tuition and fees each year.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Columbia College Missouri also is in the top 20% of our Best Political Science & Government Schools ranking.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at Columbia College

$13,392 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network is a large private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Boston.

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network undergraduate students pay an average of $13,392 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their degree, political science graduates from Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network carry an average student debtload of $25,375. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $451, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

Fort Hays State University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. Located in the town of Hays, FHSU is a public college with a fairly large student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at FHSU are $15,870 a year. On average, political science graduates from FHSU take out $31,000 in student loans while working on their degree.

Full Political Science & Government at Fort Hays State University Report

#24

East Los Angeles College

Monterey Park, CA
$9,012 Average Tuition & Fees

East Los Angeles College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value political science and government programs. East Los Angeles College is a fairly large public school located in the suburb of Monterey Park.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at East Los Angeles College are $9,012 per year.

Full Political Science & Government at East Los Angeles College Report

$11,496 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Political Science & Government Schools list. SIUE is a fairly large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SIUE are $11,496 per year. The average amount in student loans that political science majors at SIUE take out is $26,000.

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Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools

#26

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH
#30

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC
#32

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA
#34

Angelo State University

San Angelo, TX
#35

Winona State University

Winona, MN
#36

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO
#37

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA
#39

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ
#46

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD
#49

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD

Remaining Award Winners

This list represents the rest of the schools awarded a Best Value Political Science & Government Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 664 different United States political science and government schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 York College Jamaica, NY
52 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
52 Black Hills State University Spearfish, SD
54 University of Minnesota - Duluth Duluth, MN
55 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
56 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA
56 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
58 University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
59 MSU Texas Wichita Falls, TX
60 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Green Bay, WI
61 Adams State University Alamosa, CO
62 Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO
63 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
63 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
65 University of Illinois at Springfield Springfield, IL
66 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
67 University of South Florida - Main Campus Tampa, FL
68 University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI
68 Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Edinboro, PA
70 San Jose State University San Jose, CA
70 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN
70 University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK
73 Barstow Community College Barstow, CA
74 Texas Woman’s University Denton, TX
74 SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NY
76 Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA
76 University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN
76 Colorado State University - Pueblo Pueblo, CO
79 Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CA
80 Butte College Oroville, CA
81 Chicago State University Chicago, IL
81 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL
83 SUNY Cortland Cortland, NY
84 Augusta University Augusta, GA
85 University of Wyoming Laramie, WY
85 Illinois State University Normal, IL
87 Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, NC
88 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY
89 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
89 Athens State University Athens, AL
91 Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA
91 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
91 California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA
94 John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY
95 Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA
96 Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus Indiana, PA
96 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
96 American River College Sacramento, CA
99 College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NY
99 SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Value Political Science & Government Schools award.

Rank College Location
101 Wichita State University Wichita, KS
101 Webster University Saint Louis, MO
101 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
104 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
104 Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD
106 Emporia State University Emporia, KS
107 Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA
107 California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CA
107 University of Wisconsin - Parkside Kenosha, WI
110 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
111 Antelope Valley College Lancaster, CA
111 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
111 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
114 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
114 Iowa State University Ames, IA
116 York College of Pennsylvania York, PA
116 University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE
116 Hunter College New York, NY
119 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
120 McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA
120 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
120 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
120 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
124 Rice University Houston, TX
124 Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV
124 SUNY Geneseo Geneseo, NY
127 California State University - Channel Islands Camarillo, CA
127 Baruch College New York, NY
127 Spelman College Atlanta, GA
130 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
130 Queens College Queens, NY
132 Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA
132 Troy University Troy, AL

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Best Value Political Science & Government Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

One of 12 majors within the area of study, political science and government has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Economics 49,055
Sociology 38,475
General Social Sciences 18,997
International Relations & National Security 14,306
Anthropology 11,415

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 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 the rest 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).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to UKWiki at English Wikipedia.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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