Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Maryland

Political Science students in Maryland face a dramatic cost spread from $6,007 at Coppin State University to $18,161 at Johns Hopkins University, creating unique opportunities for budget-conscious learners. The state's proximity to federal agencies and contractors means graduates enter one of the nation's strongest government job markets, with the University of Maryland Global Campus showing how this translates to real outcomes through $50,231 median earnings. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs offered by state universities. Maryland's position in the Baltimore-Washington corridor provides unmatched access to internships and career opportunities in federal government, think tanks, and policy organizations. Students can choose between historically black institutions like Morgan State and Coppin State, full research universities, or specialized programs, all while benefiting from the region's concentration of political power and policy work.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$35,362

Avg. Program Earnings

58.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007	$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
2	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
3	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
4	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
5	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
7	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
8	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
9	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546	$9,772	46.7%	89.3%
10	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
11	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
12	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
13	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
14	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
15	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
16	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
17	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
18	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
19	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
20	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $44,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Coppin State University offers the lowest net price at $6,007 while Johns Hopkins reaches $18,161, reflecting the gap between public and elite private education. Public universities dominate affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions. Private schools like McDaniel College charge $49,647 in tuition but offer significant aid, bringing net costs to $20,923. The data shows students can access quality political science education across this price spectrum.

How do graduation rates vary among Maryland's most affordable political science programs?

Johns Hopkins leads with a 94.6% graduation rate despite being among the more expensive options at $18,161 net cost. University of Maryland-College Park achieves 88.6% graduation rates while maintaining a $15,590 net price. The most affordable option, Coppin State at $6,007, shows a 25.6% graduation rate. This 69 percentage point spread demonstrates how institutional resources often correlate with student completion rates.

Is the University of Maryland Global Campus worth considering for political science students?

The Global Campus stands out with $50,231 median earnings, the highest among Maryland's affordable political science programs. At $14,514 net cost and a 29.6% graduation rate, it offers strong career outcomes despite completion challenges. The program serves many working adults and online students, which partly explains the graduation rate pattern. For career-focused students, the earning potential significantly exceeds other options in this price range.

What role do historically black colleges play in Maryland's affordable political science market?

Three HBCUs appear among the most affordable options: Coppin State at $6,007, Morgan State at $15,015, and Bowie State at $19,335. Morgan State graduates earn $35,060 median salary with a 41.6% graduation rate and 85.4% acceptance rate. These institutions provide accessible pathways into political science careers while maintaining strong connections to government and policy work. Their Baltimore and D.C. area locations offer direct access to internship and networking opportunities.

Does location within Maryland affect political science program value and opportunities?

Baltimore hosts five programs including Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, and Coppin State, providing varied price points from $6,007 to $18,161. The D.C. metro area schools like University of Maryland Global Campus benefit from federal government proximity and show strong earnings outcomes. College Park's flagship campus combines research opportunities with a $15,590 net cost and 88.6% graduation rate. Rural options like Frostburg State offer lower costs but fewer immediate internship opportunities in government sectors.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

Best Value Political Science and Government in Maryland Political Science and Government Under $20,000 in Maryland

All Political Science and Government Programs Best Colleges in Maryland Best Political Science and Government in Maryland

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.