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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Ohio

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

Public universities dominate Ohio's Political Science and Government value market, with Youngstown State University delivering the lowest net cost at $11,877 while Ohio State University graduates earn the highest median income of $37,379. This 15-point earnings spread reflects Ohio's varied career paths for political science graduates, from local government roles to positions with major healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and tech companies expanding across the state. Wright State University stands out with a 95.22% acceptance rate, making political science education accessible to nearly all applicants. The state's mix of urban centers and manufacturing regions creates demand for policy analysts and public affairs specialists. Ohio State University commands the strongest job market positioning with an 87.70% graduation rate, though its $18,292 net cost represents a middle-ground investment. Private institutions like Ashland University charge significantly more at $21,994 net cost but deliver competitive earnings of $35,518. Most programs maintain debt levels between $20,000-$26,000, keeping financial barriers manageable for students entering public service careers.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$31,808
Avg. Program Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $25,774 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $18,292 $37,379 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
3 $15,216 $29,685 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $16,065 $30,409 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
5 $14,981 $27,048 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
6 $17,460 $30,771 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
7 $20,413 $34,298 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
8 $21,994 $35,518 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
9 $20,918 $30,771 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
10 $23,585 $33,993 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
11 $20,477 $29,250 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
12 $21,619 $30,409 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
13 $27,662 $37,856 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
14 $23,156 $29,685 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
15 $19,614 $23,649 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
16 $28,617 $33,993 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
17 $25,766 $30,409 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
18 $31,236 $36,077 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
19 $32,342 $36,221 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
20 $38,111 $37,208 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
21 $38,909 $29,685 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
22 $39,184 $29,685 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
25 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
26 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
27 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
28 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
29 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
30 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
31 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
32 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
33 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
34 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
35 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
36 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
37 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
38 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
39 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
40 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
41 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
42 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
43 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
44 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
45 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
46 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
47 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
48 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
49 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
50 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $26,415 cost difference between Youngstown State and Miami University?

Youngstown State University costs $11,877 annually compared to Miami University's $27,662, reflecting their different market positions and resource allocations. Miami University graduates earn $37,856 compared to Youngstown's $25,774, suggesting Miami's higher investment translates to stronger career outcomes. However, Youngstown maintains an 80.60% acceptance rate with reasonable debt levels at $22,798. The cost difference also reflects Miami's stronger alumni networks in major Ohio cities.

How do Ohio's public universities compare in Political Science graduation rates?

Ohio State University leads with an 87.70% graduation rate, followed by Miami University at 81.80% and University of Cincinnati at 71.50%. Wright State University trails significantly at 45.90% despite its 95.22% acceptance rate, indicating retention challenges. Ohio University achieves a solid 66.40% graduation rate with moderate selectivity at 86.52% acceptance. These rates correlate with career preparation quality and job market success.

Is private education worth the premium for Political Science students in Ohio?

Private institutions like Ashland University cost $21,994 but produce graduates earning $35,518, creating favorable return ratios. Capital University charges $23,585 with graduates earning $33,993, while Ohio Wesleyan costs $21,619 for $30,409 in earnings. However, Ohio State University offers competitive outcomes at $18,292 with $37,379 earnings. Private schools provide smaller classes but public universities often deliver better value propositions.

Does location within Ohio affect Political Science career prospects?

Columbus schools benefit from state government proximity, with Ohio State and Capital University graduates earning $37,379 and $33,993 respectively. Cleveland State University leverages the city's healthcare and nonprofit sectors for $30,409 median earnings. Toledo and Cincinnati programs produce similar outcomes around $30,771 and $29,685. Rural locations like Athens and Delaware show competitive earnings despite geographic constraints, suggesting strong alumni networks matter more than immediate location.

Where do Ohio Political Science graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Ohio State University offers the strongest ratio with $20,000 debt against $37,379 earnings, followed by University of Cincinnati's $20,359 debt for $29,685 income. University of Toledo provides another favorable option at $20,113 debt with $30,771 earnings. Kent State University graduates face the lowest earnings at $23,649 but maintain manageable $21,400 debt loads. These ratios reflect both program quality and regional employment market strength.

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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.