Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland Global Campus leads the state with graduates earning $50,231 annually, while maintaining a net price of just $14,514. This performance stands out in Maryland's political science market, where net costs range from $14,514 to $29,633 across 15 programs. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for political science students, with federal agencies, think tanks, and lobbying firms offering internships and career paths. Johns Hopkins University demonstrates how elite education translates to strong outcomes, with a 94.6% graduation rate despite its highly selective 7.25% acceptance rate. Public institutions like University of Maryland-College Park balance affordability with quality, offering in-state tuition of $11,505 while producing graduates who earn $43,128. The federal government presence in Maryland means political science students can access real-world experience through Capitol Hill internships, federal agency positions, and research opportunities at institutions like the National Security Agency and National Institutes of Health.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$35,362

Avg. Program Earnings

58.7%

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 Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$50,231	$7,992	29.6%
2	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$43,128	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
3	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$47,260	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
4	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$35,060	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
5	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$37,568	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
6	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$35,060	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
7	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$32,174	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
8	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$31,314	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
9	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$40,512	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%
10	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$32,382	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
11	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$29,685	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
12	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$33,993	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
13	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$25,194	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
14	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$21,508	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
15	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536		$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
16	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323		$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
17	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007		$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
18	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026		$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
19	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335		$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
20	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546		$9,772	46.7%	89.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland Global Campus such a strong value for political science students?

UMGC offers the highest graduate earnings at $50,231 while maintaining a moderate net price of $14,514. The university serves working adults and military personnel, providing flexible degree options that align with career advancement. With graduates carrying $19,910 in debt on average, the earning potential creates a favorable return on investment for political science majors.

How do public and private school costs compare for political science programs in Maryland?

Public universities charge in-state students between $7,992 and $15,236, while private institutions range from $41,910 to $63,340 in sticker price. However, private school net prices after aid range from $18,161 at Johns Hopkins to $29,633 at Loyola University Maryland. The cost difference often narrows significantly after financial aid, with Johns Hopkins' net price of $18,161 competing with several public options.

Does Johns Hopkins University justify its high selectivity for political science students?

Johns Hopkins accepts only 7.25% of applicants but delivers strong outcomes with a 94.6% graduation rate and $47,260 in graduate earnings. The university's Baltimore location provides access to federal research institutions and policy organizations. At a net price of $18,161 after aid, Johns Hopkins offers competitive value despite its elite status and rigorous admissions process.

Where do University of Maryland-College Park graduates typically find employment?

UMD-College Park graduates earn $43,128 annually and benefit from the university's proximity to Washington D.C. and strong alumni network in government. The 88.6% graduation rate reflects the university's academic support and career preparation programs. With in-state tuition of $11,505, College Park provides excellent access to federal agencies, congressional offices, and Maryland state government positions.

What career advantages do Maryland political science students have over other states?

Maryland's location near the nation's capital provides unmatched access to federal agencies, congressional internships, and policy research organizations. Students can intern at the NSA, NIH, or Department of Defense while completing their degrees. Graduate earnings across Maryland political science programs range from $21,508 to $50,231, reflecting the state's strong government and defense contractor job market that values political science skills.

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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.