2026 Best Value Political Science And Government Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Political Science And Government master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1304 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 reviewed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $18,304 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Out of the 1304 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Liberty University landed the #2 spot. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
Out of the 1304 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #3 spot. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based 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. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
You'll get strong value at Illinois State University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,201 in student loans. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
You'll get strong value at Western Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,817 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,085. That is a strong return on a $20,817 median debt. The acceptance rate is 23%. Read more about Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
University Of Delaware ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,998. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Villanova University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Villanova University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,620 in debt. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
Cornell University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $14,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $25,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,983 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Texas Womans University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $30,162. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $30,162 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Marquette University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Political Science And Government students take on a median of $25,848 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,103. That is a strong return on a $25,848 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Springfield
Augusta University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,965. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Augusta University
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $22,760 in student loans. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,760 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #19 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Students borrow a median of $22,119 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $22,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Berkeley landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $13,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $18,015. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Set against $18,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,375. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $23,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
George Washington University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read more about George Washington University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Political Science And Government Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Yale University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Yale University report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,609 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,609 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
San Francisco State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Francisco State University
Rice University placed #30 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Rice University report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Political Science And Government students take on a median of $19,749 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $19,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
California State University Chico landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Graduates carry a median of $20,423 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Set against $20,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Chico
University Of California Irvine came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $16,293. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $16,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
California State University Sacramento ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $16,084. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $16,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Political Science And Government students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $24,625. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Houston landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $10,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Wyoming landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,933. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $23,933 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Loyola University Chicago landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Northeastern Illinois University placed #44 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Northeastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,383, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,550. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,234. That is a strong return on a $17,550 median debt. Northeastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Northeastern Illinois University report
Boston College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. See the full Boston College profile
James Madison University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about James Madison University
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Northeastern University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,579 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $22,579 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Northeastern University
Suny At Binghamton placed #48 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
University Of Pennsylvania placed #49 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $14,722. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $14,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
San Diego State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $17,068 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,068 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Related Political Science And Government Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 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).
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