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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in North Carolina

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

Duke University graduates earn $54,463 annually, nearly double what University of North Carolina Asheville alumni make at $25,194, highlighting the wide earning potential across North Carolina's political science programs. While Duke commands a $34,454 net price, UNC Greensboro offers the same degree for just $10,170. North Carolina's political market creates strong demand for government relations professionals, particularly in Raleigh where state agencies and lobbying firms cluster around the General Assembly. The Research Triangle's tech boom has also opened doors for policy analysts specializing in technology regulation. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with eight of the ten most affordable options being state schools. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.10% graduation rate and $34,485 median earnings for only $12,983 net cost. Even flagship programs remain accessible, as NC State charges $16,931 while producing graduates earning $33,138. The state's banking capital in Charlotte and growing healthcare sector provide additional career paths for political science majors beyond traditional government roles.
43
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$33,791
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $27,947 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $12,983 $34,485 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
3 $13,393 $32,391 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
4 $14,745 $35,213 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
5 $12,579 $29,685 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
6 $16,514 $35,213 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
7 $12,865 $25,194 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $16,931 $33,138 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
9 $15,028 $28,212 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
10 $16,487 $28,662 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
11 $28,746 $49,618 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
12 $34,454 $54,463 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
13 $19,472 $30,771 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
14 $21,200 $25,194 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
15 $41,048 $36,674 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
16 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
17 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
18 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
19 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
20 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
21 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
22 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
23 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
24 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
25 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
26 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
27 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
28 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
29 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
30 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
31 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
32 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
33 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
34 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
35 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
36 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
37 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
38 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
39 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
40 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
41 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
42 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
43 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill such a strong value for political science students?

UNC Chapel Hill combines elite outcomes with public school affordability, charging just $12,983 in net costs while maintaining a 92.10% graduation rate. Graduates earn $34,485 annually and carry only $14,569 in debt, one of the lowest amounts among all schools. The program benefits from proximity to state government in Raleigh and strong alumni networks throughout North Carolina's political establishment.

How do private school costs compare to earnings potential in North Carolina?

Duke University justifies its $34,454 net price with $54,463 graduate earnings, creating a strong return on investment despite high upfront costs. Wake Forest charges $28,746 and produces $49,618 earners with a 90.90% graduation rate. However, Guilford College shows the risks, charging $21,200 while graduates earn just $25,194, making it difficult to justify the premium over public alternatives.

Does location within North Carolina affect political science career prospects?

Geography plays a significant role, with Raleigh-area schools like NC State benefiting from state government proximity and internship opportunities. Charlotte-based UNC Charlotte graduates earn $35,213, reflecting the city's banking sector demand for regulatory and compliance professionals. Rural programs like Western Carolina still provide solid value at $12,579 net cost, though graduates may need to relocate for optimal career opportunities.

What debt levels should political science students expect after graduation?

Debt loads vary dramatically, from Duke's manageable $14,016 average to North Carolina Central's concerning $28,000 burden. Most public universities keep debt reasonable, with UNC Asheville at $21,718 and Appalachian State at $19,229. Given that starting salaries range from $25,194 to $54,463, students should target programs keeping debt below $25,000 to maintain financial flexibility.

Is the NC Need-Based Scholarship significant for political science students?

The NC Need-Based Scholarship can substantially reduce costs at public universities, particularly beneficial given political science's moderate earning potential. With in-state tuition as low as $4,532 at Western Carolina and $6,542 at NC Central, the scholarship can make college nearly free for qualifying students. This aid becomes important when considering that even well-performing graduates earn around $30,000 to start their careers.

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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.