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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia's political science programs show remarkable earnings variation, with University of Virginia graduates earning $48,432 annually while Virginia Wesleyan graduates start at $26,353. This $22,000 gap reflects the state's complex political economy, where proximity to Washington D.C. creates high-paying federal consulting and lobbying opportunities alongside traditional government roles. Old Dominion University delivers strong value at $14,170 net cost, producing graduates who earn $38,289 despite the school's 95% acceptance rate. The state's defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and policy firms like Booz Allen actively recruit political science majors for analyst and research positions. James Madison University combines reasonable $21,816 costs with solid $39,860 earnings and an 81% graduation rate. William & Mary's $22,529 net price seems steep until you consider its 91% graduation rate and strong alumni networks in Virginia politics. Private options like Washington and Lee offer excellent outcomes but cost significantly more, while public universities provide accessible pathways into government careers.
36
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$37,841
Avg. Program Earnings
61.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $38,289 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $16,640 $38,829 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
3 $18,287 $41,984 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $22,881 $48,432 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
5 $22,529 $44,117 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
6 $21,816 $39,860 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
7 $21,108 $37,568 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
8 $23,911 $41,007 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
9 $23,790 $40,341 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
10 $19,452 $32,569 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $17,833 $29,685 $33,157 55.7%
12 $20,814 $32,569 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
13 $22,197 $33,281 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
14 $27,759 $41,342 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
15 $20,583 $26,353 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
16 $33,417 $41,789 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
17 $29,552 $36,131 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
18 $32,145 $36,992 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
19 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
20 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
21 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
22 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
23 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
24 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
25 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
26 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
27 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
28 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
29 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
30 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
31 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
32 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
33 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
34 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
35 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
36 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Dominion University such a strong value for political science?

Old Dominion offers the lowest net cost at $14,170 while producing graduates who earn $38,289 annually. The school accepts 95% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. Despite its open admission policy, graduates find success in Norfolk's growing government contractor market and Virginia Beach's municipal government sector.

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

Public universities dominate the value rankings, with six of the top seven spots. George Mason University costs $18,287 but generates $41,984 in graduate earnings, while private Randolph-Macon costs $27,759 for similar $41,342 earnings. The VTAG grant helps private college students, but public options still offer better financial returns.

Is University of Virginia worth the higher cost for political science majors?

UVA charges $22,881 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $48,432 annually. The school maintains a 95% graduation rate with only 19% acceptance, creating exclusive alumni networks. Graduates frequently enter federal agencies, congressional offices, and major consulting firms that actively recruit from Charlottesville.

Does Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. affect political science graduate earnings?

Northern Virginia schools show strong earnings potential, with George Mason graduates earning $41,984 annually. The region's concentration of federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and government agencies creates demand for political science majors. Even regional schools benefit, as Virginia's political culture extends throughout the state's government centers.

Where do Virginia political science graduates typically find employment?

Graduates enter federal agencies, defense contractors, and state government positions throughout Virginia. Major employers include Northrop Grumman for defense policy roles and Inova Health for healthcare policy positions. The state capital in Richmond and local government offices provide additional opportunities, with graduates earning between $26,353 and $48,432 depending on their institution and career path.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

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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.