Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Iowa

Political Science and Government programs in Iowa reveal striking affordability contrasts, with costs ranging from $14,609 at University of Northern Iowa to $23,435 at Mount Mercy University. The state's 15 programs include Grinnell College as a clear outlier, charging $64,862 in tuition yet offering substantial aid that brings net costs down to just $15,608. Public universities dominate the most affordable tier, with UNI graduates earning $40,368 annually while carrying only $24,000 in debt. Iowa's political market benefits from major employers like Principal Financial and the state's agricultural policy influence, creating opportunities for government relations roles and regulatory positions. The University of Iowa produces graduates earning $36,914 with a 73.10% completion rate, while Iowa State maintains similar outcomes at $38,529 earnings with 75.50% graduation rates. Private colleges like Central College offer competitive net pricing at $22,353, though graduation rates vary significantly across the sector. Iowa's low cost of living amplifies the value proposition, making these already affordable programs stretch further for students entering state government, lobbying, or policy analysis careers throughout the Midwest region.

Programs

$14,609 – $30,042

Net Price Range

$36,146

Avg. Program Earnings

65.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609	$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
2	Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa	$15,608	$64,862	87.5%	10.8%
3	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
4	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
5	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155	$52,576	59.0%
6	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057	$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
7	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
8	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
9	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
10	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231	$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
11	Central College Pella, Iowa	$22,353	$20,988	69.2%	79.2%
12	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604	$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
13	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
14	Morningside University Sioux City, Iowa	$23,169	$38,190	52.8%	70.6%
15	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
16	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519	$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
17	Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa	$25,079	$50,634	71.7%	79.3%
18	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383	$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
19	Luther College Decorah, Iowa	$25,635	$50,320	75.0%	75.3%
20	Drake University Des Moines, Iowa	$30,042	$49,944	77.3%	67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the most affordable option for political science students?

UNI offers the lowest net cost at $14,609 while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $40,368 among Iowa programs. Students pay just $9,728 in-state tuition and graduate with $24,000 in average debt. The 94.95% acceptance rate and 68.90% graduation rate make it accessible for most applicants seeking quality political science education.

How do private colleges compare to public universities for political science affordability in Iowa?

Private colleges average $21,000-23,000 in net costs compared to public universities ranging from $14,609-21,398. Grinnell College stands out by reducing its $64,862 sticker price to just $15,608 through generous aid. However, public universities like Iowa State and University of Iowa typically offer better graduation rates and earnings outcomes relative to their lower costs.

Is there a significant difference in graduate earnings between Iowa political science programs?

Graduate earnings span from $34,704 at Grinnell College to $40,368 at University of Northern Iowa, representing an $5,664 difference. Iowa State graduates earn $38,529 while University of Iowa graduates average $36,914. These variations reflect different career paths, with state universities often feeding into government positions while private colleges may emphasize nonprofit or advocacy work.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Iowa political science programs?

The correlation proves mixed, with Grinnell College achieving the highest graduation rate at 87.50% despite low net costs. Public universities maintain solid rates between 68.90%-75.50% at lower price points. Several private colleges show concerning patterns, like Buena Vista University's 47.30% graduation rate at $18,321 net cost, suggesting cost alone doesn't predict student success.

Where do Iowa political science graduates typically find employment given the state's economy?

Iowa's insurance sector, led by Principal Financial, creates opportunities in regulatory affairs and compliance roles. The state's agricultural prominence generates demand for policy analysts focusing on farm legislation and environmental regulations. Government positions in Des Moines and federal roles through Iowa's congressional delegation provide traditional political science career paths, while the state's 94.95% average acceptance rate ensures broad access to these opportunities.

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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.