Skip to main content

Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers Political Science training at just $10,026 net cost, making it the most affordable option in a state where program costs span from $10,026 to $27,498. This price advantage becomes even more significant when considering that Political Science graduates in Tennessee often pursue careers in state government, where Nashville serves as both the state capital and a major healthcare administration center through companies like HCA Healthcare. The earnings range varies dramatically across Tennessee programs, from $25,194 to $43,798, with Vanderbilt University leading at the top despite its $19,040 net cost. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top ten most affordable programs coming from state institutions. Tennessee's lack of state income tax also means Political Science graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states, whether they work in government relations, policy analysis, or the growing healthcare administration sector that has made Nashville a regional center for corporate headquarters.
28
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$31,605
Avg. Program Earnings
56.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,299 $28,598 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
2 $10,026 $26,353 $8,568 33.0%
3 $12,599 $31,660 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $19,040 $43,798 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
5 $14,846 $31,581 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
6 $12,817 $26,933 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
7 $13,253 $26,997 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
8 $14,207 $25,658 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
9 $18,109 $31,795 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
10 $25,060 $43,128 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
11 $15,794 $25,194 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
12 $27,498 $37,568 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
13 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
14 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
15 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
16 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
17 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
18 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
19 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
20 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
21 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
22 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
23 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
24 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
25 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
26 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
27 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
28 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University the best value for Political Science?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 while providing direct access to Nashville's government and corporate sectors. Graduates earn $26,353 annually, which represents solid value given the minimal debt load. The university's location in the state capital provides internship opportunities with state agencies and lobbying firms. Students also benefit from Tennessee's lack of state income tax, effectively increasing their take-home pay compared to graduates in other states.

How do public versus private Political Science programs compare in Tennessee?

Public universities in Tennessee average around $13,000 in net costs while private institutions like Vanderbilt and Rhodes College cost $19,040 and $25,060 respectively. However, private school graduates earn significantly more, with Vanderbilt graduates earning $43,798 compared to the public university average of about $29,000. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville bridges this gap somewhat, costing $18,109 while producing graduates who earn $31,795. Students must weigh the higher upfront costs against potentially stronger alumni networks and career services at private institutions.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Tennessee Political Science?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Tennessee State's 33% to Vanderbilt's 92.7%, but don't always align with value. Middle Tennessee State University graduates 54% of students at just $12,599 net cost with solid $31,660 earnings. Meanwhile, expensive programs like Union University graduate 70.9% of students but cost $26,815. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers perhaps the best balance with a 73.5% graduation rate, reasonable $18,109 cost, and strong $31,795 earnings potential.

Where do Tennessee Political Science graduates find the best job opportunities?

Nashville offers the strongest job market with state government positions, healthcare administration roles at companies like HCA, and music industry legal work. Memphis provides opportunities in logistics and transportation policy given its role as a shipping center. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduates earn $26,933 and benefit from the city's growing tech sector and TVA presence. Graduates across the state also pursue federal positions, with Tennessee hosting significant military installations and federal agencies that value Political Science backgrounds.

Is the earnings gap between Tennessee programs worth considering?

The $18,604 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs represents significant long-term value differences. Vanderbilt graduates earning $43,798 will recoup their higher education costs within several years compared to those earning $25,194 from other programs. However, students from affordable programs like Tennessee State or Middle Tennessee State enter the workforce with minimal debt, allowing them to pursue public service careers or graduate school. The lack of state income tax in Tennessee means all graduates keep more of their earnings regardless of which program they choose.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

Cheapest Political Science and Government in Tennessee Political Science and Government Under $20,000 in Tennessee

Related

All Political Science and Government Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Political Science and Government in Tennessee

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