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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

American Public University System breaks the mold for political science value, delivering the highest graduate earnings at $54,109 despite charging $9,104 in net costs. This online institution outpaces traditional public universities by more than $20,000 in earning potential, though students carry $21,728 in debt. The CUNY system dominates affordability with five colleges offering net costs under $3,500, making New York's political market accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. Political science graduates often find federal employment opportunities concentrated in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, where agencies like the State Department, Treasury, and congressional offices actively recruit entry-level policy analysts and research assistants. Baruch College stands out within CUNY, combining a low $2,978 net cost with strong 72.10% graduation rates and $36,488 median earnings. The earning gap between the highest and lowest performing programs spans $26,615, reflecting how institutional reputation and regional job markets shape career outcomes for political science graduates.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $16,816
Net Price Range
$35,755
Avg. Program Earnings
57.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $32,772 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,978 $36,488 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
3 $3,046 $36,104 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
4 $2,943 $30,771 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
5 $3,486 $33,993 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,061 $29,685 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,659 $33,993 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $34,526 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $3,482 $27,494 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
10 $4,734 $33,900 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
11 $4,113 $28,960 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
12 $9,104 $54,109 $8,400 53.2%
13 $5,646 $32,467 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
14 $7,131 $39,009 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
15 $5,918 $31,133 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
16 $6,351 $29,956 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
17 $6,747 $31,038 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
18 $8,896 $40,555 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
19 $9,110 $41,193 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
20 $10,555 $47,260 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
21 $5,825 $24,730 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
22 $5,115 $21,508 $7,490 32.8%
23 $8,001 $33,043 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
24 $6,480 $26,739 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
25 $8,463 $34,704 $6,270 40.7%
26 $10,089 $41,193 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
27 $12,640 $50,231 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
28 $11,276 $44,356 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
29 $7,599 $29,322 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
30 $10,017 $37,896 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
31 $8,931 $33,352 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
32 $10,512 $38,751 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
33 $9,792 $35,420 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
34 $8,364 $29,685 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
35 $11,504 $40,555 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
36 $10,898 $37,896 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
37 $14,852 $51,482 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
38 $14,514 $50,231 $7,992 29.6%
39 $10,011 $34,420 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
40 $11,408 $39,009 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
41 $10,353 $35,179 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
42 $16,816 $57,017 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
43 $10,988 $37,208 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
44 $10,319 $34,704 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
45 $6,500 $21,850 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
46 $11,729 $39,369 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
47 $8,463 $28,366 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
48 $5,671 $18,771 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
49 $12,136 $39,927 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
50 $10,785 $35,416 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings difference between American Public University System and other affordable programs?

American Public University System graduates earn $54,109 compared to $27,494 at CUNY Lehman College, a $26,615 gap. The online university primarily serves military personnel and government employees who often advance to higher-paying federal positions. Traditional campus-based programs may attract students entering local government or nonprofit sectors. However, APUS students also carry $21,728 in debt versus $12,500 at Lehman.

How do CUNY colleges compare in political science value across different boroughs?

Baruch College leads CUNY schools with $36,488 in earnings and 72.10% graduation rates at $2,978 net cost. Hunter College offers the lowest cost at $2,446 but graduates earn $32,772 with 61% completing degrees. Queens College balances strong academics with $34,526 earnings and 60.20% graduation rates. Lehman College shows the lowest earnings at $27,494 despite similar costs to other CUNY schools.

Is California State University worth the higher costs compared to CUNY schools?

CSU schools charge $3,659 to $5,918 in net costs, roughly double CUNY rates of $2,446 to $4,734. However, earnings remain comparable, with CSU Fullerton graduates earning $32,467 versus $36,488 at Baruch. CSU Dominguez Hills matches City College earnings at $33,993 but costs more. The California job market may offer different career paths, but the financial advantage clearly favors New York's public system.

Does graduation rate correlate with earning potential in these programs?

Not necessarily. Baruch College combines the highest graduation rate at 72.10% with strong $36,488 earnings, supporting the correlation. However, American Public University System graduates earn $54,109 with only 53.20% graduation rates. York College shows just 30.30% graduation rates yet produces graduates earning $33,900. These patterns suggest that institutional factors and student populations matter more than completion rates alone.

Where do political science graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Government agencies represent the largest employer sector, particularly for programs near major metropolitan areas. CUNY graduates often enter New York City government, nonprofit organizations, and regional federal offices. California State University alumni frequently work in state government, local municipalities, and advocacy groups. American Public University System serves many current federal employees advancing their careers. The $27,494 to $54,109 earnings range reflects this employment diversity from local government to federal positions.

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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.