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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree 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:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value Political Science And Government school in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $18,304 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's best-value Political Science And Government ranking in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
A rank of #4 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,201 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Western Illinois University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Political Science And Government ranking in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,000. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,817 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Set against $20,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set 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. University Of Delaware Political Science And Government students take on a median of $24,998 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
University Of South Dakota landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Villanova University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $25,620. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full Villanova University report
Cornell University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,400 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $14,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,983 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Arkansas State University Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Texas Womans University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $30,162. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
Marquette University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marquette University report
University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Graduates carry a median of $25,848 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Springfield alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. Set against $25,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile
Augusta University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $17,965. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,472 ten years after entry. Set against $17,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Augusta University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,760 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,760 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,119. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $20,500. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Berkeley placed #22 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Sam Houston State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $25,125. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #24 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,000. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Political Science And Government Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. 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. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $18,015. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $18,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Texas Tech University placed #27 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $23,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $23,375 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
Yale University placed #28 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Yale University profile
George Washington University ranked #29 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. More on George Washington University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,609. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $20,609 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #31 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. 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 $81,698. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
San Francisco State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. San Francisco State University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Rice University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rice University report
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $24,450 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $24,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Memphis
Loyola University Chicago ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola University Chicago
California State University Chico placed #37 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chico, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. California State University Chico Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,423 in debt. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,423 median debt. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
California State University Sacramento came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $16,084. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $24,625. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $10,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Houston came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Political Science And Government students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Boston College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Boston College Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
Claremont Graduate University placed #44 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set 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. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,000. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
University Of Wyoming landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,933. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $23,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Northeastern Illinois University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern Illinois University is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,383, while out-of-state students pay about $22,726. Graduates carry a median of $17,550 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,234 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,550 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northeastern Illinois University profile
University Of Pennsylvania placed #47 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $14,722 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full James Madison University report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $19,749. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Best Value Political Science And Government Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific 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
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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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