2026 Best Value Political Science And Government Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Political Science And Government doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Cuny Graduate School And University Center, our #1 best-value Political Science And Government school in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. 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 $57,808. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
You'll get strong value at University Of Delaware, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Political Science And Government students take on a median of $24,998 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,400 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of California Berkeley placed #7 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. More on University Of California Berkeley
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of North Texas landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $17,750. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $18,015. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $18,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $23,375 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Yale University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Yale University profile
Loyola University Chicago placed #14 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola University Chicago
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Political Science And Government students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Claremont Graduate University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report
Rice University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Rice University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $11,904 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. More on Rice University
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Boston College placed #19 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Boston College Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. Read more about Boston College
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $14,722 in student loans. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Houston placed #21 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Political Science And Government students take on a median of $15,100 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Set against $15,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $14,000. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Northeastern University placed #24 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $22,579 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $22,579 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on Northeastern University
George Washington University placed #25 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Political Science And Government Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,249 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $22,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Texas A And M University College Station placed #27 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $19,749. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $19,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,025. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,025 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $16,485. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Harvard University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Harvard University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. More on Harvard University
University Of Georgia placed #32 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,171 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,171 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Utah came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $18,370. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $18,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
Arizona State University placed #33 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $19,257. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $19,257 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $20,465 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Stanford University placed #35 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,939 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Iowa
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny At Binghamton
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,768 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $18,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $22,576. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $22,517 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $22,517 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of California Davis ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Political Science And Government students take on a median of $21,083 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $21,083 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
New York University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,500. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on New York University
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #46 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,227. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Dallas
Vanderbilt University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $12,000. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University
University Of California Irvine landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,293 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $17,951. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Duke University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $14,016 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $14,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. See the full Duke University profile
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Political Science And Government Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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