Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers political science students the lowest net price in the state at just $8,130, though this comes with trade-offs in graduation outcomes. At the other end sits Tulane with a net cost of $43,939 but an 88.90% graduation rate and the highest earnings at $33,281. The gap between public and private options spans over $35,000 annually. Louisiana's political market provides unique opportunities, with the state capitol in Baton Rouge hosting legislative internships and the Port of New Orleans creating federal regulatory positions. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight schools under $20,000 net cost. The TOPS scholarship program helps qualifying Louisiana residents attend public universities with covered tuition, making schools like LSU particularly attractive with strong alumni networks in state government and the energy sector that drives much of Louisiana's economy.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$29,095

Avg. Program Earnings

51.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$32,569	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
2	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$25,194	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
3	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$26,121	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
4	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$32,213	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
5	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762	$25,194	$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
6	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$33,281	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
7	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
8	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553		$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
9	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125		$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
10	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130		$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
11	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209		$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
12	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257		$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
13	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091		$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
14	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633		$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
15	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740		$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
16	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285		$27,868	50.2%	95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Louisiana's political science programs?

Public universities like LSU-Shreveport charge a net price of $8,130 while private institutions like Tulane reach $43,939. The TOPS scholarship program covers tuition at public schools for qualifying Louisiana students, making the effective cost even lower. Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes and different networking opportunities, but the financial gap exceeds $35,000 annually between the most and least expensive options.

How do graduation rates vary across Louisiana's political science programs?

Tulane leads with an 88.90% graduation rate, followed by LSU at 71% and Loyola at 67.40%. Several public universities struggle with completion, including Southern University at 28.50% and Grambling State at 32.30%. The correlation between cost and graduation success becomes evident, with higher-priced programs generally achieving better completion rates, though LSU proves this pattern has exceptions.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings after graduation?

Tulane graduates earn the most at $33,281, but LSU and University of New Orleans graduates also reach over $32,000 despite much lower costs. Loyola charges $22,762 net but produces the same $25,194 earnings as Southeastern Louisiana University, which costs half as much. The data suggests that program reputation and alumni networks matter more than tuition price for career outcomes in Louisiana's political job market.

Where do Louisiana political science graduates typically find employment?

The state capitol in Baton Rouge creates opportunities in legislative offices and state agencies, while New Orleans offers positions in port authority, federal courts, and international trade regulation. Louisiana's energy sector employs political science graduates in government relations and regulatory compliance roles. Many graduates also pursue law school, with LSU's law school and Tulane's law program providing natural pathways for continuing education within the state.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

Cheapest Political Science and Government in Louisiana Political Science and Government Under $20,000 in Louisiana

All Political Science and Government Programs Best Colleges in Louisiana Best Political Science and Government in Louisiana

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.