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Political Science and Government Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers Political Science and Government education for just $1,113 net cost, making it the most affordable option among these 20 programs. The price spectrum spans dramatically to $5,825, with CUNY schools claiming eight of the top positions. Baruch College graduates earn $36,488 annually, nearly double the lowest earner at $18,771. Political Science programs benefit from proximity to government centers, particularly in Texas where state agencies and military installations create steady demand for policy analysts and public administrators. The data reveals interesting patterns in graduation rates, with Baruch achieving 72.1% compared to York College's 30.3%. California and New York dominate the affordable market, offering students access to internships with federal agencies, state legislatures, and advocacy organizations. Ohio University-Eastern Campus represents the rural option at $4,503, though its 20% graduation rate raises completion concerns. These programs prepare students for careers in government relations, campaign management, and public policy research across varied regional markets.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $8,463
Net Price Range
$30,110
Avg. Program Earnings
44.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
6 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
10 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
11 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
12 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
13 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
14 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
15 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
16 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
17 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
18 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
19 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
25 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
26 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
27 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
28 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
29 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
30 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
31 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
32 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
33 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
34 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
35 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
36 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
37 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
38 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
39 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
40 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
41 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
42 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
43 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
44 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
45 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
46 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
47 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
48 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
49 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
50 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $4,712 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Texas A&M-Central Texas costs just $1,113 while College of Staten Island reaches $5,115, reflecting regional funding differences and enrollment patterns. Texas provides substantial state support for regional campuses, while New York's CUNY system varies by campus location and student demographics. The $1,113 rate at Central Texas represents strong value for a full Political Science program. Private options like Berea College offer different pricing models entirely.

How do CUNY schools compare in Political Science career outcomes?

Baruch College leads CUNY earnings at $36,488, followed closely by John Jay at $36,104, both exceeding national averages for the field. Hunter College graduates earn $32,772 with a strong 61% graduation rate, while Lehman College shows $27,494 earnings with a 49.3% completion rate. The $8,994 earnings gap between Baruch and Lehman reflects different career paths and industry connections within New York's political market.

Does Texas A&M-Central Texas offer quality education despite its low cost?

The $1,113 net cost reflects strong state funding rather than program quality issues, though graduation data remains unavailable for comparison. Texas A&M-Central Texas serves the Killeen area near Fort Hood, providing unique opportunities in military policy and defense administration. The 95.71% acceptance rate indicates broad access rather than selectivity concerns. Students benefit from Texas A&M system resources while paying significantly less than traditional campuses.

Where do Political Science graduates find the best earning potential among these schools?

Baruch College tops the list at $36,488, leveraging New York's concentration of government agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. John Jay follows at $36,104, benefiting from criminal justice and public policy connections. Queens College and City College both produce graduates earning around $34,000, reflecting strong regional job markets. The $7,527 gap between top earners and California State Los Angeles suggests geographic salary variations matter significantly.

Is the 20% graduation rate at Ohio University-Eastern Campus typical for regional campuses?

The 20% rate at Ohio University-Eastern Campus appears unusually low compared to other regional options in this dataset. California State Dominguez Hills achieves 46.9% despite serving a similar commuter population, while Texas A&M International reaches 48.9%. The low completion rate may reflect the campus's rural location and limited student support services. Students considering Ohio University-Eastern should investigate transfer options to the main campus for better support systems.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.