2026 Best Value Political Science And Government Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Political Science And Government bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1304 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Political Science And Government bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $16,551 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $16,551 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1304 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Political Science And Government students take on a median of $11,745 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #3 this year. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $18,304 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
A rank of #4 makes Park University one of the best values in the United States. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Park University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland University College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland University College Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,600 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Nicholls State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,513. Median earnings reach $45,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Nicholls State University
Ashford University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Ashford University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $32,813 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $32,813 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,245 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
South Dakota State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
National University placed #12 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. National University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full National University profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #13 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Political Science And Government students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
University Of Minnesota Morris ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $21,080. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,919. Set against $21,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report
Columbia College Missouri placed #15 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. Students borrow a median of $29,213 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,378. That is a strong return on a $29,213 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia College Missouri
Northeastern University Global Network offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,579 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Hays, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $30,468 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Set against $30,468 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fort Hays State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,125 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $18,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Western Carolina University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,475 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,475 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,983 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Angelo State University placed #25 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Students borrow a median of $21,237 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,116 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Angelo State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Political Science And Government Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Western Illinois University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Western Illinois University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Winona State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Winona State University
Truman State University placed #28 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $26,649 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Set against $26,649 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Truman State University
Valdosta State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $25,100 in student loans. Valdosta State University alumni report median earnings of $49,361 a decade after entry. Set against $25,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Valdosta State University
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,585. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Grand Canyon University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. More on Grand Canyon University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #31 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #33 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,015 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $25,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Political Science And Government students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, 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. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,460 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Coppin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,024. Graduates carry a median of $33,355 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,490 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Coppin State University
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of South Dakota
Purdue University Northwest came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Purdue University Northwest Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
Liberty University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
Cuny York College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Students borrow a median of $12,573 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,945. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Cuny York College
Black Hills State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $26,820. Median earnings reach $46,674 ten years out. Set against $26,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Black Hills State University
University Of North Georgia placed #43 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,026. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Set against $22,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on University Of North Georgia
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $20,089 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $25,791. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $25,791 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Northern Illinois University placed #47 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Political Science And Government students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $26,415. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Related Political Science And Government Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Political Science And Government Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Rankings consider 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.