Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Florida

University of Florida delivers the state's most affordable political science education at just $6,351 net cost while producing graduates who earn $29,956 annually. This represents strong value in a state where private alternatives like Stetson University cost $21,318 despite lower earnings potential. Florida's political market offers unique career opportunities, from state government roles in Tallahassee to federal positions supporting NASA operations at Kennedy Space Center. The earnings gap between top performers is notable, with University of North Florida graduates averaging $35,179 compared to Florida A&M's $25,580. Florida's lack of state income tax means political science graduates keep more of their salaries compared to other states. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with nine of the top ten schools charging under $11,000 annually. The state's tourism economy and growing aerospace sector create demand for policy analysts and government relations specialists.

Programs

$6,351 – $38,222

Net Price Range

$31,103

Avg. Program Earnings

58.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Florida Gainesville, Florida	$6,351	$6,381	91.5%	23.4%
2	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida	$8,001	$4,879	64.3%	81.3%
3	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155	$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
4	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
5	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043	$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
6	Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, Florida	$10,319	$6,118	56.0%	74.4%
7	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	$10,353	$6,389	68.2%	70.5%
8	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$10,650	$6,368	75.1%	41.0%
9	Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida	$10,997	$5,656	83.0%	25.0%
10	Bethune-Cookman University Daytona Beach, Florida	$14,892	$14,794	27.8%	85.0%
11	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida	$15,847	$5,785	51.9%	32.9%
12	Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida	$18,467	$28,360	48.8%	80.1%
13	Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, Florida	$18,675	$19,110	30.2%	69.9%
14	Stetson University DeLand, Florida	$21,318	$55,220	62.8%	93.8%
15	Barry University Miami, Florida	$22,978	$33,450	36.6%	59.6%
16	Ave Maria University Ave Maria, Florida	$23,655	$28,222	55.5%	44.2%
17	St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, Florida	$24,275	$34,770	43.4%	65.2%
18	Jacksonville University Jacksonville, Florida	$26,255	$46,180	57.0%	57.7%
19	Florida Southern College Lakeland, Florida	$29,664	$42,360	69.3%	56.6%
20	Webber International University Babson Park, Florida	$29,932	$32,150	26.0%	49.0%
21	Flagler College Saint Augustine, Florida	$29,951	$26,610	55.9%	81.0%
22	Southeastern University Lakeland, Florida	$30,209	$31,732	43.3%	60.9%
23	Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida	$31,303	$37,080	64.3%	75.8%
24	Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, Florida	$32,751	$37,990	58.9%	94.7%
25	Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, Florida	$33,011	$50,374	67.6%	65.1%
26	Rollins College Winter Park, Florida	$33,847	$58,300	76.9%	50.0%
27	Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida	$34,439	$24,136	44.2%	96.5%
28	The University of Tampa Tampa, Florida	$35,634	$33,424	61.9%	26.4%
29	University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida	$36,803	$59,926	84.2%	18.9%
30	Lynn University Boca Raton, Florida	$38,222	$42,950	52.7%	80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida the best value for political science in Florida?

UF combines the lowest net cost at $6,351 with strong graduate outcomes, including a 91.5% graduation rate and $29,956 median earnings. The highly selective 23.35% acceptance rate indicates academic quality that translates to career success. Students graduate with just $15,000 in debt, well below the state average.

How much do Florida political science graduates typically earn after college?

Graduate earnings range from $25,580 at Florida A&M to $35,179 at University of North Florida, a $9,599 spread. Most programs produce graduates earning between $28,000-$33,000 annually. Florida's lack of state income tax means graduates keep approximately 5-7% more of their income compared to states with income taxes.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private political science programs?

Public universities average under $11,000 in net costs while private schools range from $14,892 to $22,978. The gap widens further when considering sticker prices, with Stetson University charging $55,220 compared to public in-state tuition under $7,000. Private schools show lower graduation rates despite higher costs.

Does Florida's Bright Futures scholarship affect political science program costs?

High-achieving students can receive full tuition coverage through Bright Futures, making in-state public options nearly free. This particularly benefits political science students at schools like Florida State University where in-state tuition is just $5,656. The scholarship effectively eliminates cost barriers for qualifying students at all nine public universities on this list.

Where do Florida political science graduates find employment opportunities?

Florida's capital in Tallahassee offers state government positions, while the aerospace industry around Kennedy Space Center needs policy specialists. The state's $100 billion tourism industry requires government relations professionals to navigate regulations. Miami's international business community and growing tech sector in Tampa create additional career paths for political science graduates.

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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.