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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Illinois

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

Eastern Illinois University political science graduates command the highest starting salaries among affordable options at $39,741, nearly $14,000 more than Western Illinois University's $25,774. This earnings gap reflects the varied career paths available across Illinois, where political science majors find opportunities in state government, Chicago's corporate headquarters, and the legal sector. Net costs for political science programs range dramatically from $8,837 at Millikin University to $16,157 at National Louis University. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the strongest graduation rate at 84.90% for $15,201 net cost, while Chicago State University shows concerning outcomes with just 16.90% of students completing their degrees. Illinois benefits from Springfield's state government jobs and Chicago's finance industry, creating demand for political science graduates who understand policy, analysis, and public administration.
44
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$33,212
Avg. Program Earnings
59.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
9 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
10 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
16 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
17 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
18 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
19 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
20 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
21 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
22 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
23 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
24 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
25 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
26 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
27 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
28 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
29 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
30 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
31 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
32 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
33 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
34 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
35 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
36 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
37 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
38 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
39 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
40 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
41 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
42 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
43 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
44 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,000 salary difference between the highest and lowest earning schools?

Eastern Illinois University graduates earn $39,741 compared to Western Illinois University's $25,774, reflecting regional job markets and alumni networks. Eastern Illinois benefits from proximity to both Springfield government jobs and Chicago opportunities. School reputation and career services also influence graduate outcomes. Western Illinois serves a more rural region with fewer high-paying political positions.

How do private colleges like Millikin University offer such low net costs?

Millikin University's $8,837 net cost results from substantial financial aid despite a $26,892 sticker price. Private colleges often provide merit scholarships and need-based grants that reduce actual student costs below public university levels. This makes Millikin competitive with state schools while maintaining small class sizes. The 75.40% acceptance rate indicates accessible admission standards.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for political science?

UIUC charges $15,201 net cost but delivers an 84.90% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options. Graduates earn $37,624 annually with $19,201 in debt, creating strong return on investment. The 44.82% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that benefits job prospects. Alumni networks in Chicago and Springfield provide career advantages.

Does Chicago State University's low graduation rate affect political science students?

Chicago State's 16.90% graduation rate raises concerns for all majors including political science. The $10,133 net cost seems affordable, but poor completion rates limit degree value. Students may struggle with support services or face financial pressures requiring work over studies. The 48.51% acceptance rate suggests academic preparation challenges among incoming students.

Where do Illinois political science graduates typically find employment?

Springfield offers state government positions in legislative offices, regulatory agencies, and policy research roles. Chicago provides opportunities in corporate government relations, nonprofit advocacy, and legal services. The finance sector employs political science majors for regulatory compliance and public affairs. Many graduates pursue law school or graduate programs in public administration.

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.