2026 Best Value Political Science And Government Schools
Looking for the best-value Political Science And Government programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1304 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Political Science And Government Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Political Science And Government school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Political Science And Government students take on a median of $16,551 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #2 on this year's best-value Political Science And Government ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $11,745 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #3 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $18,304. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Santa Rosa Junior College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $14,692. Santa Rosa Junior College alumni report median earnings of $47,224 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Park University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read the full report on Park University
College Of Western Idaho landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Nampa, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,497 in student loans. More on College Of Western Idaho
University Of Maryland University College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,600. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Rose State College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,030, while out-of-state students pay about $11,407. Rose State College Political Science And Government students take on a median of $13,451 in debt. Rose State College alumni report median earnings of $37,555 a decade after entry. Set against $13,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rose State College report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $10,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Nicholls State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Nicholls State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $24,513 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Nicholls State University
Ashford University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $32,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,813 median debt. Get the full Ashford University report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,245. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
University Of North Dakota placed #15 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,867. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
South Dakota State University placed #17 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,000. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
National University placed #18 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on National University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #19 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Political Science And Government students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
University Of Minnesota Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,526 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,710 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $21,080. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,919 ten years after entry. Set against $21,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Morris
Columbia College Missouri placed #21 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Columbia College Missouri Political Science And Government students take on a median of $29,213 in debt. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,213 median debt. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,579 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,579 median debt. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
Fort Hays State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $30,468 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,468 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Fort Hays State University
East Los Angeles College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $8,180 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $42,006 ten years out. Set against $8,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on East Los Angeles College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Political Science And Government Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Students borrow a median of $22,125 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $22,125 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Youngstown State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $18,500. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Western Illinois University placed #29 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Western Carolina University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,983. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,983 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Angelo State University placed #34 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $21,237 in student loans. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Angelo State University admits about 83% of applicants. More on Angelo State University
Winona State University placed #35 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Winona State University
Truman State University placed #36 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Truman State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $26,649 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,649 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Truman State University
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Valdosta State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,100. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,100 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Valdosta State University
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. More on Grand Canyon University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $25,015 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $25,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $25,791 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $25,791 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #45 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Political Science And Government students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #47 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #48 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,460 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Coppin State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Coppin State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $33,355 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,490 ten years out. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read more about Coppin State University
Purdue University Northwest placed #50 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $25,083. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
Cuny York College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,358, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Cuny York College Political Science And Government students take on a median of $12,573 in debt. Cuny York College alumni report median earnings of $56,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny York College
Best Value Political Science And Government Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Political Science And Government Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1304 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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