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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands apart in Kentucky's political science market with its remarkable $4,483 net cost, making it the most affordable option despite being a private institution. This creates an unusual cost changing where the cheapest program costs nearly $13,000 less than the next most affordable option at Northern Kentucky University ($7,168). The 20 programs span from Berea's strong value to options reaching $20,428 at Asbury University. Kentucky's political science graduates enter a job market shaped by major employers like Humana in healthcare policy and UPS's Worldport logistics center, which require government relations expertise. Graduation rates vary significantly across institutions, from Kentucky State University's 27% to University of Kentucky's nearly 70%. The state's bourbon industry and automotive manufacturing through Toyota also create unique policy and regulatory career paths. Earnings data shows notable variation, with Morehead State graduates earning $41,193 compared to Eastern Kentucky's $21,964, reflecting different career trajectories and geographic factors within the Commonwealth.
20
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$32,569
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
11 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
17 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
18 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
20 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so much cheaper than other political science programs?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where all students work on campus jobs to offset educational costs. The college's endowment and commitment to serving low-income students allows it to offer a $4,483 net price despite a $49,326 sticker price. This creates the unusual situation where a private college costs significantly less than public alternatives like Northern Kentucky University at $7,168. Only 24.58% of applicants gain admission to this highly selective program.

How do graduation rates compare across Kentucky's political science programs?

Graduation rates span a wide 42-percentage-point range across Kentucky's political science programs. University of Kentucky leads with 69.9%, followed by Asbury University at 65% and Berea College at 62%. At the lower end, Kentucky State University graduates 27.1% of students while Lindsey Wilson College graduates 38.1%. These differences often correlate with admission selectivity and student support resources.

Does earning potential vary significantly among Kentucky political science graduates?

Yes, early-career earnings show substantial variation among Kentucky political science programs with available data. Morehead State University graduates earn $41,193, nearly double the $21,964 earned by Eastern Kentucky University graduates. Georgetown College and University of Louisville graduates fall in between at $30,771 and $30,988 respectively. These differences likely reflect program focus, alumni networks, and regional employment opportunities.

Is student debt a major concern for Kentucky political science students?

Student debt levels remain relatively manageable across Kentucky's political science programs. Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University all report debt levels around $19,000-$20,500. University of Louisville students graduate with slightly lower debt at $18,121. These figures fall below national averages, making Kentucky an attractive state for affordable political science education.

Where do Kentucky political science graduates find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's economy offers unique career paths for political science graduates through major employers requiring government relations expertise. Humana, headquartered in Louisville, needs policy analysts for healthcare legislation. UPS's Worldport center requires regulatory compliance specialists for international shipping. The state's bourbon industry creates lobbying and regulatory positions, while Toyota's manufacturing presence demands trade policy expertise. State government in Frankfort also provides traditional public sector 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.