Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Kentucky

Berea College stands apart in Kentucky's political science market with a net price of just $4,483 despite its $49,326 sticker price, making quality education accessible through its work-study model. The 20 programs in Kentucky show dramatic cost variation, with net prices ranging from Berea's remarkable low to Kentucky Wesleyan's $36,431. Political science graduates earn between $21,964 and $41,193, with Morehead State achieving the highest earnings at $41,193 while maintaining a net cost of only $10,089. Centre College delivers strong outcomes with 85.30% graduation rates and $41,193 earnings, though at $21,497 net cost. Kentucky's political market offers opportunities across state government in Frankfort, Louisville's healthcare policy sector with Humana, and federal positions given the state's congressional delegation. Public universities generally provide better value propositions, with most keeping net costs under $18,000 while preparing students for Kentucky's growing policy and administrative roles.

Programs

$4,483 – $36,431

Net Price Range

$32,569

Avg. Program Earnings

54.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Morehead State University Morehead, Kentucky	$10,089	$41,193	$9,838	47.7%	84.0%
2	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$33,993	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
3	Georgetown College Georgetown, Kentucky	$13,485	$30,771	$42,010	47.5%	71.5%
4	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962	$21,964	$10,130	49.7%	64.3%
5	Centre College Danville, Kentucky	$21,497	$41,193	$50,550	85.3%	62.9%
6	University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky	$17,634	$30,988	$12,828	60.7%	81.5%
7	University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky	$17,218	$28,055	$13,212	69.9%	94.9%
8	Bellarmine University Louisville, Kentucky	$23,587	$32,391	$47,180	67.7%	87.8%
9	University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky	$11,286		$9,875	46.2%	83.0%
10	Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky	$8,900		$9,214	27.1%	91.5%
11	Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, Kentucky	$36,431		$33,393	52.6%	68.6%
12	Campbellsville University Campbellsville, Kentucky	$18,246		$26,990	47.1%
13	Lindsey Wilson College Columbia, Kentucky	$13,811		$27,274	38.1%
14	Brescia University Owensboro, Kentucky	$14,626		$30,450	46.0%	50.4%
15	Berea College Berea, Kentucky	$4,483		$49,326	62.0%	24.6%
16	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121		$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
17	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168		$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
18	Thomas More University Crestview Hills, Kentucky	$20,701		$38,400	40.1%	94.2%
19	Transylvania University Lexington, Kentucky	$23,560		$44,980	69.8%	90.8%
20	Asbury University Wilmore, Kentucky	$20,428		$33,640	65.0%	78.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College such an affordable option for political science students?

Berea College charges a net price of only $4,483 through its unique work-study program where all students work on campus. The college has a 62% graduation rate and maintains high academic standards with a 24.58% acceptance rate. This model makes political science education accessible regardless of family income while providing practical work experience.

How do earnings compare between Kentucky's public and private political science programs?

Morehead State University leads in graduate earnings at $41,193 with a public school net cost of $10,089. Centre College matches these earnings at $41,193 but costs $21,497 net. Eastern Kentucky University shows the lowest earnings at $21,964 but keeps costs minimal at $9,962 net. The earnings range spans nearly $20,000 across programs.

Is Centre College worth its higher cost compared to public alternatives?

Centre College delivers strong results with an 85.30% graduation rate, the highest among Kentucky political science programs. At $21,497 net cost, graduates earn $41,193, matching the state's top earnings. The college's 62.85% acceptance rate indicates selectivity, and the strong outcomes justify the premium over public options for many students.

Does Kentucky State University provide good value despite low graduation rates?

Kentucky State University offers the second-lowest net cost at $8,900 but has a concerning 27.10% graduation rate. The 91.50% acceptance rate suggests open access, but completion rates indicate significant challenges. Students should carefully consider support systems and academic preparation before choosing based solely on low cost.

Where do political science graduates find employment opportunities in Kentucky?

Kentucky's capital in Frankfort provides state government positions, while Louisville hosts major employers like Humana requiring policy analysts and regulatory specialists. UPS Worldport operations create logistics and trade policy roles. The bourbon industry and automotive manufacturing with Toyota also generate regulatory and compliance positions requiring political science backgrounds.

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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.