Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in New Jersey

Princeton University stands alone among New Jersey's political science programs, offering graduates a median salary of $47,260 despite charging just $10,555 in net costs after aid. This extraordinary value stems from the university's generous financial aid, making an Ivy League education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. Meanwhile, public options like Kean University provide solid returns at $12,168 net cost, though earnings start lower at $33,281. New Jersey's political science graduates benefit from the state's proximity to major power centers, with opportunities in state government in Trenton, corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Johnson & Johnson, and easy access to federal positions in Washington D.C. The state's pharmaceutical and financial sectors also create demand for policy analysts and regulatory affairs specialists. Public universities dominate the middle tier, with schools like Montclair State and Stockton University offering net costs around $14,000 to $20,000. Private institutions beyond Princeton command significantly higher prices, with Seton Hall reaching $28,921 in net costs while delivering similar earnings to much cheaper public alternatives.

Programs

$10,555 – $31,650

Net Price Range

$35,945

Avg. Program Earnings

64.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey	$10,555	$47,260	$59,710	97.1%	5.7%
2	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168	$33,281	$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
3	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, New Jersey	$15,266	$38,289	$35,822	61.7%	84.1%
4	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$33,281	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
5	Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, New Jersey	$20,360	$40,485	$15,978	71.9%	70.5%
6	William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, New Jersey	$17,764	$31,314	$15,150	47.7%	91.5%
7	Stockton University Galloway, New Jersey	$19,634	$33,993	$15,532	72.0%	85.5%
8	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$32,467	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
9	Drew University Madison, New Jersey	$25,644	$43,240	$45,360	72.4%	72.7%
10	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$32,467	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
11	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Madison, New Jersey	$24,415	$38,289	$35,822	72.3%	89.1%
12	Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey	$25,287	$35,416	$38,900	63.3%	84.1%
13	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey	$25,458	$35,416	$18,685	85.2%	64.4%
14	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$32,467	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
15	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$33,993	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
16	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650	$33,459	$44,850	70.3%	90.9%
17	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185		$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
18	New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey	$11,732		$13,971	38.7%	90.1%
19	Centenary University Hackettstown, New Jersey	$19,037		$37,732	56.6%	96.5%
20	Caldwell University Caldwell, New Jersey	$21,188		$39,450	58.7%	66.4%
21	Saint Peter's University Jersey City, New Jersey	$12,973		$41,054	63.1%	88.8%
22	Bloomfield College Bloomfield, New Jersey	$18,778		$30,680	31.1%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Princeton's political science program such an strong value compared to other New Jersey schools?

Princeton charges just $10,555 in average net costs while producing graduates who earn $47,260 annually, creating the best return on investment in the state. The university's $59,710 sticker price becomes affordable through extensive financial aid that covers most costs for families earning under $100,000. This combination of elite education quality and generous aid makes Princeton's political science program accessible to students who might otherwise attend much less expensive public universities. The 97.1% graduation rate further ensures students complete their degrees and enter high-paying careers.

How do public university costs compare across New Jersey's political science programs?

Public university net costs range from $12,168 at Kean University to $25,458 at The College of New Jersey, showing significant variation even within the state system. Schools like Montclair State ($14,159) and Stockton University ($19,634) fall in the middle range while maintaining solid graduation rates above 64%. The College of New Jersey commands the highest public university price but justifies this with an 85.2% graduation rate and $35,416 median earnings. Most public options keep student debt manageable, typically ranging from $17,495 to $25,500.

Is it worth paying private university prices for political science degrees in New Jersey?

Private universities beyond Princeton generally offer poor value propositions for political science students in New Jersey. Schools like Seton Hall charge $28,921 in net costs but produce graduates earning just $33,993, barely more than public university graduates who paid half as much. Fairleigh Dickinson's campuses cost $15,266 to $24,415 while delivering $38,289 in median earnings, still trailing Princeton significantly. Private institutions do offer higher graduation rates, with most exceeding 70%, but this advantage rarely justifies the premium pricing for political science majors.

What career opportunities exist for political science graduates in New Jersey?

New Jersey political science graduates benefit from the state's position between New York City and Philadelphia, creating access to corporate, government, and nonprofit opportunities. The state hosts major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, which need policy analysts and regulatory affairs specialists. Trenton provides state government internships and entry-level positions, while federal agencies in nearby Washington D.C. actively recruit from New Jersey universities. The financial services sector, particularly strong in northern New Jersey, also hires political science graduates for compliance and analysis roles.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in New Jersey political science programs?

Princeton's 5.7% acceptance rate clearly indicates selectivity that translates to superior outcomes, but the pattern breaks down among other schools. The College of New Jersey accepts 64.4% of applicants yet produces graduates earning $35,416, outperforming much more selective private institutions. Meanwhile, highly accessible schools like William Paterson (91.5% acceptance rate) deliver solid outcomes at $31,314 median earnings for students paying minimal net costs. Graduation rates prove more reliable indicators, with schools above 70% typically producing better employment outcomes regardless of selectivity.

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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.