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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Illinois

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

Western Illinois University delivers the lowest net price for political science education at $11,592, while Northwestern University graduates earn $47,846 annually, creating a stark $36,000 range in this field across Illinois institutions. The University of Chicago produces an unusual outcome with a $18,967 net price yielding $40,872 in earnings, demonstrating strong return on investment despite its selective 5.43% acceptance rate. Illinois political science students benefit from the state's concentration of government roles in Springfield and Chicago's position as a major financial center, where many graduates find positions in corporate affairs, lobbying, and public administration. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six schools offering net prices below $16,000, while private institutions like Northwestern command premium pricing but deliver correspondingly higher graduate earnings. The 84.9% graduation rate at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out among public options, suggesting strong program completion despite moderate costs of $15,201 net price.
44
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$33,212
Avg. Program Earnings
59.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,093 $39,741 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
2 $12,909 $33,798 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $12,313 $30,771 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
4 $15,201 $37,624 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $13,550 $33,459 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $13,696 $31,941 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $11,592 $25,774 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
8 $18,967 $40,872 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
9 $12,437 $26,353 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $18,996 $35,274 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
11 $27,143 $47,846 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
12 $16,177 $28,236 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
13 $23,572 $35,594 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
14 $29,550 $36,141 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
15 $29,141 $34,298 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
16 $27,499 $30,409 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
17 $24,875 $22,578 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
18 $35,196 $27,114 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
19 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
20 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
21 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
22 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
23 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
24 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
25 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
26 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
27 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
28 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
29 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
30 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
31 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
32 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
33 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
34 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
35 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
36 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
37 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
38 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
39 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
40 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
41 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
42 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
43 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
44 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Illinois political science programs?

Northwestern University graduates earn $47,846 annually compared to Western Illinois University's $25,774, reflecting differences in alumni networks, internship access, and career services. University of Chicago also produces strong outcomes at $40,872 despite lower costs than Northwestern. The $22,000+ earnings difference often correlates with proximity to Chicago's job market and institutional connections to government and corporate sectors.

How do public university costs compare for political science students in Illinois?

Public institutions range from Western Illinois University's $11,592 net price to Illinois State University's $18,996, spanning $7,400 in cost differences. University of Illinois Chicago offers strong value at $12,313 with reasonable debt levels of $18,597. Most public options fall between $12,000-$16,000, making them accessible compared to private alternatives that often exceed $25,000 annually.

Is University of Chicago worth the investment for political science majors?

With a $18,967 net price and $40,872 graduate earnings, University of Chicago provides excellent value despite its 5.43% acceptance rate. Graduates carry relatively low debt at $18,500 and achieve a 94.9% graduation rate. The school's location in Chicago and academic reputation create strong career prospects that justify the investment for admitted students.

Does graduation rate matter when choosing political science programs in Illinois?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Northeastern Illinois University's 16.8% to Northwestern's 95.9%, indicating significant differences in student support and program rigor. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign achieves 84.9% completion at reasonable costs, while many mid-tier options fall between 45-70%. Higher graduation rates often correlate with better career outcomes and reduced student debt burdens.

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

Chicago anchors Illinois's political science job market with opportunities in city government, federal agencies, lobbying firms, and corporate public affairs departments. Springfield offers state government positions, while the broader Illinois economy includes manufacturing and healthcare sectors requiring policy expertise. Graduates earning $30,000-$47,000 typically find roles in these sectors, with higher earners concentrating in Chicago's financial and legal industries.

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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.