Skip to main content

Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Rhode Island

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

Rhode Island College offers political science students the state's most affordable path at just $10,988 net cost, while Brown University graduates earn $53,108 annually despite higher upfront costs. The Ocean State's proximity to federal facilities like Naval Station Newport and state government positions in Providence creates strong career pipelines for political science graduates. With nine programs ranging from $10,988 to $45,538, students can find quality education that matches their budget and career goals.
9
Programs
$10,988 – $45,538
Net Price Range
$40,340
Avg. Program Earnings
72.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,988 $37,208 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
2 $26,572 $53,108 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
3 $19,899 $32,806 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
4 $40,846 $50,231 $51,169 80.6% 68.8%
5 $45,538 $44,649 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%
6 $35,682 $24,035 $47,930 74.9% 69.5%
7 $32,478 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
8 $38,123 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
9 $21,611 $13,365 67.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between political science programs in Rhode Island?

Brown University graduates earn $53,108 annually compared to $24,035 at Salve Regina University, reflecting differences in alumni networks and career placement. Brown's 95.90% graduation rate and Ivy League connections typically lead to higher-paying federal, consulting, and private sector roles.

How do public universities compare to private options for political science value?

Rhode Island College costs $10,988 with graduates earning $37,208, while URI costs $19,899 with $32,806 earnings. Both public options offer better debt-to-income ratios than most private colleges, with URI graduates carrying $19,567 in debt compared to $27,000 at Providence College.

Does Brown University justify its higher costs for political science students?

Brown's $26,572 net cost produces the highest earnings at $53,108 and lowest debt at $14,481 among private options. The 95.90% graduation rate and 5.06% acceptance rate reflect selectivity that translates to strong career outcomes in competitive political and policy fields.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

Cheapest Political Science and Government in Rhode Island Political Science and Government Under $20,000 in Rhode Island

Related

All Political Science and Government Programs Best Colleges in Rhode Island Best Political Science and Government in Rhode Island

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.