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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Indiana

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

Indiana University-South Bend delivers the state's most affordable political science education at just $8,364 net cost, while Notre Dame commands $27,823 but produces graduates earning $45,696. This $37,330 earnings gap reflects how Indiana's political market offers varied career paths, from state government roles in Indianapolis to corporate affairs positions at major employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven institutions offering net costs below $16,000. Purdue's main campus strikes a notable balance at $13,945 net cost while generating $41,937 in graduate earnings. The 21st Century Scholars program amplifies value for qualifying students by covering full tuition at public institutions. Indiana's political science graduates find opportunities across the state's manufacturing sector, healthcare industry, and government agencies, with the strong presence of Fortune 500 companies creating demand for policy analysis and regulatory compliance expertise.
33
Programs
$5,970 – $38,472
Net Price Range
$37,472
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,364 $29,685 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
2 $11,408 $39,009 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
3 $8,463 $28,366 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
4 $13,945 $41,937 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
5 $15,342 $38,937 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
6 $12,621 $30,771 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
7 $15,898 $32,772 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
8 $21,826 $38,313 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
9 $24,546 $42,682 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
10 $21,906 $37,208 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
11 $21,583 $36,042 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
12 $27,823 $45,696 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
13 $28,552 $45,715 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
14 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
15 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
16 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
17 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
18 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
19 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
20 $23,594 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
21 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
22 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
23 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
24 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
25 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
26 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
27 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%
28 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
29 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
30 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
31 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
32 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
33 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana's public universities such strong values for political science?

Public institutions claim the top six spots for affordability, with net costs ranging from $8,364 at IU-South Bend to $15,898 at Ball State. These schools maintain competitive graduation rates, with Purdue-Main Campus achieving 83.10% and IU-Bloomington reaching 81.20%. The combination of low costs and solid outcomes creates strong value propositions. Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program further reduces costs by covering full tuition for qualifying students at public universities.

How do private college outcomes compare to their higher costs?

Notre Dame justifies its $27,823 net cost with the state's highest graduate earnings at $45,696 and an outstanding 96.80% graduation rate. Saint Mary's College produces similar earnings of $45,715 but costs slightly more at $28,552 net. DePauw University offers middle ground at $24,546 net cost with $42,682 in graduate earnings. Private institutions generally deliver higher completion rates, with most exceeding 60% compared to more variable public university outcomes.

What career opportunities exist for political science graduates in Indiana?

Indiana's varied economy creates multiple pathways, from state government positions in Indianapolis to corporate affairs roles at major employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins. The state's manufacturing base generates demand for regulatory compliance specialists and policy analysts. Healthcare systems including Indiana University Health offer positions in healthcare policy and administration. Graduate earnings range from $28,366 to $45,715, reflecting the breadth of available career options across sectors.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Indiana?

Higher-cost institutions generally achieve better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Notre Dame leads at 96.80% graduation rate with its $27,823 cost, while Purdue-Main Campus achieves 83.10% at just $13,945. However, some affordable options like IU-South Bend show lower completion rates at 35.70% despite rock-bottom costs. The relationship suggests that institutional resources and student support services influence outcomes beyond pure affordability.

Where should students focus their applications for maximum value?

Purdue-Main Campus offers the best balance of affordability and outcomes at $13,945 net cost with $41,937 graduate earnings and 83.10% graduation rate. IU-Bloomington provides similar value at $15,342 with strong earning potential of $38,937. Students seeking private education should consider DePauw University for its combination of manageable $24,546 net cost and $42,682 earnings potential. Budget-conscious students can explore IU-South Bend's $8,364 program while understanding the completion rate trade-offs.

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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.