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 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, Grad Degree 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 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. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Out of the 1304 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #2 spot. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $26,000. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Cornell University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Political Science And Government ranking in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $14,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $14,400 median debt. 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. Located 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
University Of California Berkeley landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. University Of California Berkeley Political Science And Government students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #8 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,750. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,015 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,015 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $23,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
Yale University placed #13 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Yale University
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Political Science And Government students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Claremont Graduate University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Claremont Graduate University alumni report median earnings of $64,372 a decade after entry. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Rice University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $11,904 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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 came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Boston College placed #19 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Boston College profile
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Students borrow a median of $14,722 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,722 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Houston landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #22 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,100 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Northeastern University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,579 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Northeastern University
George Washington University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Get the full George Washington University report
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 came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $22,249. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $22,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kansas
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,749 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,749 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #28 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,025 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,025 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #30 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,485 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $16,616. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Harvard University
University Of Georgia came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,171 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Arizona State University placed #33 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,257 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $19,257 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Utah ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,370 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Utah
Stanford University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stanford University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,465 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $17,939 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. 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. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Iowa ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Political Science And Government students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Suny At Binghamton Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of Maryland College Park placed #40 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,768 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $18,768 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #40 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,517 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,517 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Michigan State University placed #40 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,576 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,576 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of California Davis landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $14,250. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #44 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $21,083. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $21,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
New York University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. New York University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full New York University profile
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,000. The University Of Texas At Dallas alumni report median earnings of $68,227 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The University Of Texas At Dallas admits about 65% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
Vanderbilt University placed #47 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $17,951 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,951 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of California Irvine came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $16,293. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Duke University placed #50 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $14,016. 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. More on Duke University
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
This list is compiled 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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