Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's political science programs show a striking 76% earnings gap between the top and bottom performers, with UW-Whitewater graduates earning $41,565 compared to UW-Stevens Point's $23,649. This variance reflects the state's varied political market, where graduates can pursue careers with major healthcare employers like Epic Systems in Madison or work in Milwaukee's government sectors. The University of Wisconsin system dominates affordable options, with seven campuses offering net costs below $17,000. UW-Madison stands out with an 89.3% graduation rate despite moderate selectivity at 49% acceptance. Private institutions like Marquette command higher prices at $29,237 net cost but deliver competitive earnings of $37,856. Wisconsin's strong manufacturing base and growing tech sector create opportunities for policy analysts and government relations specialists, particularly around healthcare innovation and agricultural policy.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$32,442

Avg. Program Earnings

63.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$41,565	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$35,274	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$37,838	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
4	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$32,569	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
5	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$32,569	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
6	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$31,236	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
7	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$23,649	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
8	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$28,960	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
9	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$37,856	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
10	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$29,685	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
11	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$25,658	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
12	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
13	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
14	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
15	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634		$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
16	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
17	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761		$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
18	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
19	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405		$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
20	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
21	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813		$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
22	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
23	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714		$8,606	60.9%	84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Whitewater the top value for political science in Wisconsin?

UW-Whitewater combines the highest graduate earnings at $41,565 with a reasonable net cost of $14,785, creating strong return on investment. The program maintains a solid 64.3% graduation rate while accepting 82% of applicants. Students graduate with manageable debt averaging $22,562, well below the earnings potential.

How do private college costs compare to Wisconsin public universities for political science?

Private institutions cost significantly more, with Marquette at $29,237 net cost compared to UW system schools averaging around $15,000. However, Marquette graduates earn $37,856, nearly matching UW-Whitewater's $41,565. Liberal arts colleges like Lawrence University charge $24,563 but produce lower earnings at $29,685.

Is UW-Madison worth the higher cost among state schools?

UW-Madison costs $16,928 net but delivers strong value with 89.3% graduation rates and $37,838 average earnings. The school maintains selectivity at 49% acceptance while producing graduates who compete effectively in Wisconsin's capital city job market. Debt levels remain reasonable at $20,500.

Does graduation rate vary significantly across Wisconsin political science programs?

Graduation rates span from 50.5% at Alverno College to 89.3% at UW-Madison, showing substantial variation. UW system schools generally perform well, with UW-La Crosse at 71.2% and UW-Eau Claire at 67.6%. Private colleges like Lawrence University achieve 76.4% despite higher costs.

Where do Wisconsin political science graduates find the best career opportunities?

Madison offers government and healthcare policy roles with employers like Epic Systems, while Milwaukee provides corporate government relations positions. The state's agricultural sector creates policy analyst opportunities, and manufacturing companies like Kimberly-Clark need regulatory specialists. Average earnings range from $23,649 to $41,565 depending on program choice.

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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.