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? This list ranks 1304 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Political Science And Government Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $18,304. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $18,304 median debt. Read more about American Public University System
Liberty University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Political Science And Government ranking in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. 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. This public school is set in New York, NY. 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. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
A rank of #4 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $22,201. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,201 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
You'll get strong value at Western Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina placed #7 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,817 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,085. Set against $20,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,998. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $24,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Villanova University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $25,620 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $25,620 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Villanova University profile
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,400 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $14,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #11 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,983 in student loans. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Texas Womans University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Texas Womans University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $30,162 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $30,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Marquette University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Marquette University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Marquette University
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #16 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Students borrow a median of $25,848 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. University Of Illinois At Springfield alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,848 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Springfield
Augusta University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Augusta University Political Science And Government students take on a median of $17,965 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,472 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Augusta University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $22,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $22,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $22,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Berkeley ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. 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. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. 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. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $22,000. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $18,015 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. 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%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Texas Tech University placed #24 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $23,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
George Washington University placed #25 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $23,000. 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. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full George Washington University report
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 offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Yale University
University Of North Texas placed #27 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. 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 South Florida Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,609 in debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
San Francisco State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about San Francisco State University
Rice University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. This private not-for-profit school is set 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. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rice University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,749 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
California State University Chico landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $20,423. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. That is a strong return on a $20,423 median debt. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Chico
University Of California Irvine ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $16,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. California State University Sacramento Political Science And Government students take on a median of $16,084 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Set against $16,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Ohio University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Houston came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. 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. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #40 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $10,250 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Political Science And Government students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. 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. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Wyoming placed #42 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $23,933. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wyoming
Loyola University Chicago ranked #43 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. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Political Science And Government students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
Northeastern Illinois University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Political Science And Government schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Northeastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,383, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. The median Political Science And Government program debt is $17,550. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,234. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Northeastern Illinois University report
Boston College placed #44 among the best-value Political Science And Government schools in the United States. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. More on Boston College
James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based 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. Typical Political Science And Government student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full James Madison University profile
Northeastern University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $22,579 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $22,579 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Northeastern University
Suny At Binghamton landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Suny At Binghamton Political Science And Government students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Political Science And Government students take on a median of $14,722 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
San Diego State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,068 to complete their Political Science And Government program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on San Diego State 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 Doctoral 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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