Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Iowa

University of Northern Iowa stands out among Iowa's political science programs with the highest graduate earnings at $40,368 despite charging just $14,609 in net costs. This creates an impressive return on investment that reflects the state's strong public sector and corporate presence. Iowa's insurance industry, anchored by companies like Principal Financial, provides natural career paths for political science graduates interested in regulatory affairs and policy analysis. The earnings gap between UNI graduates and those from Luther College, who earn $29,685 annually, demonstrates how program focus and regional connections can significantly impact career outcomes. Meanwhile, Grinnell College offers the lowest net price at $15,608 for qualified students, though its 10.76% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Iowa State University and University of Iowa provide solid middle-ground options with graduation rates above 73% and strong alumni networks throughout the state's government and business sectors.

Programs

$14,609 – $30,042

Net Price Range

$36,146

Avg. Program Earnings

65.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609	$40,368	$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
2	Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa	$15,608	$34,704	$64,862	87.5%	10.8%
3	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$38,529	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
4	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$36,914	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
5	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$36,674	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
6	Luther College Decorah, Iowa	$25,635	$29,685	$50,320	75.0%	75.3%
7	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604		$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
8	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590		$35,534	49.4%
9	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231		$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
10	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750		$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
11	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519		$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
12	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435		$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
13	Morningside University Sioux City, Iowa	$23,169		$38,190	52.8%	70.6%
14	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057		$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
15	Drake University Des Moines, Iowa	$30,042		$49,944	77.3%	67.2%
16	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383		$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
17	Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa	$25,079		$50,634	71.7%	79.3%
18	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155		$52,576	59.0%
19	Central College Pella, Iowa	$22,353		$20,988	69.2%	79.2%
20	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321		$40,190	47.3%	77.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's political science program such strong value?

UNI graduates earn $40,368 annually while paying just $14,609 in net costs, creating the best earnings-to-cost ratio among Iowa programs. The university maintains a 68.90% graduation rate with 94.95% acceptance, making it accessible to most students. UNI's location in Cedar Falls provides access to state government internships and connections with Iowa's major employers.

How do Iowa's public universities compare to private colleges for political science value?

Iowa's three major public universities offer net costs between $14,609 and $21,398, while private colleges range from $15,608 to $30,042. Public school graduates typically earn $36,914 to $40,368 annually compared to private school ranges of $29,685 to $36,674. The public institutions also maintain higher graduation rates, with Iowa State at 75.50% and University of Iowa at 73.10%.

Is Grinnell College worth considering despite being private?

Grinnell offers strong financial aid, bringing net costs down to $15,608 despite a sticker price of $64,862. The college maintains an 87.50% graduation rate, significantly higher than most Iowa institutions. However, its 10.76% acceptance rate means admission is extremely competitive, and graduates earn $34,704 annually, which trails UNI by nearly $6,000.

Does Iowa's job market support political science careers effectively?

Iowa's economy centers on agriculture, insurance, and manufacturing, creating varied opportunities for political science graduates. Major employers like Principal Financial and John Deere require policy analysts and government relations specialists. The state's low cost of living makes starting salaries of $30,000 to $40,000 more valuable than in coastal markets. Des Moines serves as a regional headquarters for insurance companies seeking regulatory expertise.

Where do Iowa political science graduates typically find employment?

Graduates often work in state government offices in Des Moines, which houses Iowa's capitol and numerous state agencies. The insurance industry provides substantial opportunities, with companies like Principal Financial hiring for compliance and policy roles. Agricultural corporations such as John Deere seek graduates for government relations positions. Many also pursue careers with Iowa's congressional delegation or local government throughout the state's 99 counties.

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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.