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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Harvard University graduates earning $57,017 annually pay just $16,816 net after financial aid, making it the second most affordable option despite its $59,076 sticker price. This stark contrast highlights how generous aid packages at elite Massachusetts institutions can create unexpected value propositions. Williams College takes the top spot with a $14,852 net cost and $51,482 median earnings for political science graduates. The state's concentration of government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations around Boston creates a natural pipeline for political science majors, while the Massachusetts State House provides internship opportunities just steps from several campuses. Public universities like Westfield State offer dramatically different economics, with an $11,882 in-state tuition producing $35,060 earnings. The 89-point spread between Harvard's 97.30% graduation rate and UMass Dartmouth's 49.00% rate reflects the wide spectrum of academic environments available across the Commonwealth's 20 political science programs.
41
Programs
$14,852 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$39,161
Avg. Program Earnings
72.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,852 $51,482 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
2 $16,816 $57,017 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
3 $18,246 $48,432 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
4 $18,561 $35,060 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
5 $17,970 $33,281 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
6 $20,605 $33,266 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
7 $32,116 $49,744 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
8 $18,282 $28,236 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
9 $26,181 $39,153 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
10 $28,853 $42,682 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
11 $23,691 $35,004 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
12 $25,008 $36,852 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
13 $26,996 $38,721 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
14 $27,313 $39,009 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
15 $18,627 $25,596 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
16 $30,031 $40,140 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
17 $33,885 $44,356 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
18 $29,969 $37,748 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
19 $36,868 $46,357 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
20 $29,562 $35,060 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
21 $39,866 $44,276 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
22 $35,435 $38,289 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
23 $30,934 $32,925 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
24 $27,711 $27,181 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
25 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
26 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
27 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
28 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
29 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
30 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
31 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
32 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
33 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
34 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
35 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
36 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
37 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
38 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
39 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
40 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
41 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harvard and Williams College such strong values despite high sticker prices?

Harvard's net cost of $16,816 represents a $42,260 discount from its published tuition, while Williams College offers an even better deal at $14,852 net cost. These schools provide massive financial aid packages that bring actual costs below many state universities. Harvard graduates earn $57,017 annually while Williams graduates earn $51,482, creating strong return on investment ratios that justify the initial expense.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for political science value?

Westfield State University leads public options with $11,882 in-state tuition and $35,060 graduate earnings. UMass Amherst charges $17,357 for in-state students but produces similar earnings at $35,004 annually. UMass Lowell offers the lowest earnings at $25,596 despite reasonable costs, while UMass Boston falls in the middle with $28,236 graduate earnings and $15,496 tuition.

Does the 54% graduation rate at some state schools affect long-term value?

Westfield State and Bridgewater State both show 54-55% graduation rates compared to 96-97% at elite privates like Harvard and Williams. These lower completion rates mean students face higher risks of debt without degree completion. However, students who do graduate from these programs still earn $33,000-35,000 annually with manageable debt loads around $21,000.

What career advantages does Massachusetts offer political science graduates?

Massachusetts hosts numerous federal agencies, state government offices, and advocacy organizations concentrated around Boston and Cambridge. The proximity to the State House provides internship access during college, while the biotech and healthcare industries offer policy-related positions. Think tanks, consulting firms, and nonprofits throughout the Boston area create varied career paths beyond traditional government roles.

Is Northeastern University worth its $32,116 net cost for political science?

Northeastern charges significantly more than other options but delivers $49,744 in graduate earnings with a 90.40% graduation rate. The cooperative education program provides paid work experience that often leads to job offers before graduation. With only 6.80% acceptance rate, Northeastern's selectivity rivals top liberal arts colleges while offering the practical advantages of urban internships and industry connections.

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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.