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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Alabama

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

University of North Alabama offers Alabama's cheapest Political Science and Government program at just $11,024 annually, creating an opportunity gap of over $21,000 compared to private options like Huntingdon College. This price difference becomes significant when considering that political science graduates in Alabama earn between $25,967 and $32,925, making affordable education particularly valuable for students entering public service careers. Alabama's growing aerospace industry, anchored by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Airbus manufacturing, creates demand for policy analysts and government relations specialists who understand both federal contracting and international trade regulations. The state's 15 programs show wide variation in outcomes, with University of Alabama achieving a 73.7% graduation rate while Alabama State University graduates just 30.2% of students. Troy University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $32,925, nearly $7,000 above the state minimum, suggesting that program quality and location both influence career prospects in Alabama's evolving political market.
20
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$29,710
Avg. Program Earnings
53.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
3 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
4 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
5 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
6 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
7 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
8 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
9 $17,053 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
10 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
11 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
12 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
13 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
14 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
15 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
16 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
17 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
18 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
19 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
20 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $21,126 price gap between Alabama's cheapest and most expensive Political Science programs?

Public universities like University of North Alabama ($11,024) benefit from state funding that private institutions lack. Huntingdon College charges $32,150 net price because private colleges rely on tuition revenue to cover operations. However, private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. The middle ground includes public flagship University of Alabama at $22,150, which offers research opportunities and alumni networks that justify higher costs than regional public universities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Alabama Political Science programs?

Higher-priced programs generally achieve better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. University of Alabama charges $22,150 but graduates 73.7% of students, while Alabama State University costs just $13,889 yet graduates only 30.2%. Spring Hill College demonstrates that private education can deliver results, graduating 56.1% of students despite charging $19,514. The pattern suggests that institutional resources and student support services, not just price, influence completion rates.

Where do Alabama Political Science graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Troy University graduates command $32,925 annually, the highest reported earnings among Alabama programs. University of Alabama at Birmingham follows at $32,569, while University of South Alabama graduates start at $25,967. These salary differences likely reflect regional job markets, with Troy's proximity to Montgomery government jobs and UAB's location in Birmingham's business district. The $6,958 earnings gap between highest and lowest suggests that program location and alumni networks significantly impact career prospects.

Does Alabama's aerospace industry create opportunities for Political Science graduates?

Alabama's aerospace sector, including NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Airbus manufacturing, requires government relations specialists and policy analysts familiar with federal contracting regulations. Political science graduates often fill roles managing relationships between aerospace companies and government agencies. The Alabama Student Grant Program helps state residents afford degrees that prepare them for these specialized positions. Huntsville's concentration of defense contractors creates particular demand for graduates who understand both policy and technical industries.

Is University of North Alabama's $11,024 program cost sustainable for quality education?

UNA maintains affordability through state funding and efficient operations while achieving a 54% graduation rate, respectable for a regional public university. The school accepts 95.68% of applicants, making Political Science accessible to students who might struggle gaining admission elsewhere. However, graduates face average debt of $19,500, suggesting that even low sticker prices require financial planning. The program's value depends on individual career goals, as some students prioritize affordability over prestige when entering public service careers.

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.