Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Georgia

The University of Georgia stands out among Georgia's political science programs with the highest graduation rate at 87.20% despite charging a net price of $13,816 that remains reasonable for the quality delivered. Savannah State University offers the lowest net cost at $8,683, though graduates earn $24,615 annually compared to Emory University's $41,193 median earnings. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship significantly reduces costs at public institutions, with qualified students paying as little as $5,009 in tuition at University of North Georgia. The state's political market benefits from Atlanta's role as a major business center and the presence of the Georgia State Capitol, creating internship and career opportunities for political science students. Public universities dominate the value equation, with most charging under $17,000 in net costs while private institutions like Spelman College reach $36,828. The earnings gap between the highest and lowest performing programs spans nearly $20,000 annually, making program selection critical for return on investment.

Programs

$8,683 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$30,615

Avg. Program Earnings

50.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$35,416	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
2	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$24,615	$5,498	25.2%
3	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$28,753	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
4	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$34,908	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
5	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$35,274	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
6	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$31,976	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
7	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$26,739	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
8	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$29,141	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
9	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$41,193	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
10	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$23,456	$5,934	22.8%
11	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$21,781	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
12	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$35,060	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%
13	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949	$29,685	$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
14	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889		$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
15	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224		$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
16	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115		$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
17	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922		$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
18	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568		$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
19	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696		$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
20	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528		$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
21	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145		$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
22	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286		$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
23	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809		$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
24	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769		$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
25	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
26	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735		$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
27	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350		$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
28	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805		$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
29	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832		$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
30	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609		$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
31	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052		$4,980	31.9%	73.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Georgia the best value for political science in Georgia?

UGA combines strong outcomes with reasonable costs, graduating 87.20% of students at a net price of $13,816. Graduates earn $34,908 annually with relatively low debt of $17,625. The Athens campus provides access to state government internships and research opportunities that justify the investment.

How much can the HOPE Scholarship save political science students?

HOPE Scholarship recipients with a 3.0 GPA pay dramatically reduced tuition at Georgia public colleges. University of North Georgia charges just $5,009 in-state compared to $10,785 net price. This scholarship can reduce total college costs by $20,000 or more over four years.

Does attending Emory University justify the $23,911 net cost for political science?

Emory graduates earn the highest median salary at $41,193 with a 91.80% graduation rate and relatively low debt of $17,500. The Atlanta location provides access to major corporations, law firms, and government agencies. However, the cost is more than double most Georgia public options.

Is Savannah State University worth considering despite lower earnings?

Savannah State offers the lowest net cost at $8,683 but graduates earn just $24,615 annually with a 25.20% graduation rate. Students carry $31,000 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. The coastal location provides unique internship opportunities in port authority and tourism administration.

Where do Georgia political science graduates find the best job opportunities?

Atlanta offers the most opportunities with state government, major corporations, and nonprofit organizations. The metro area houses 69% of Georgia's lobbying firms and numerous federal agencies. Graduates also find positions in the film industry, which has grown significantly in Georgia, requiring government relations specialists.

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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.