Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Morris stands out among Political Science programs with the lowest net cost at just $9,110, while private schools reach upward of $25,000. This wide pricing gap reflects Minnesota's strong public university system serving future policy makers in a state where UnitedHealth Group and Target headquarters create substantial demand for government relations professionals. Graduates from the flagship Twin Cities campus earn $36,294 annually, though the smaller Morris campus produces the highest earners at $41,193. Acceptance rates vary dramatically, from Moorhead's selective 56% to Saint Cloud's open-door 95% policy. The Minnesota State Grant system helps bridge affordability gaps for low-income students pursuing careers in state government, federal agencies, or corporate public affairs roles. With 84% of Twin Cities students completing their degrees compared to 44% at Southwest Minnesota State, choosing the right program balance of cost and outcomes proves critical for future political professionals.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$35,478

Avg. Program Earnings

67.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
7	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
8	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
9	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
10	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
11	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
12	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
13	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
14	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
15	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
16	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
17	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
18	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
19	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
20	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
21	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
22	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
23	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris so affordable for Political Science students?

Morris offers the state's lowest net cost at $9,110 despite being part of the University of Minnesota system. The campus combines in-state tuition of $14,288 with substantial financial aid packages. Graduates earn $41,193 annually, the highest among Minnesota Political Science programs, creating strong return on investment for this small liberal arts focused campus.

How do graduation rates compare between cheap and expensive Political Science programs?

Expensive private schools generally show higher completion rates, with St Olaf achieving 83.5% graduation compared to 44.1% at Southwest Minnesota State University. However, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities breaks this pattern with 84.8% graduation rates while maintaining moderate costs. Student debt loads range from $18,500 to $24,250 across programs with available data.

Is Saint Cloud State University worth considering despite lower graduation rates?

Saint Cloud accepts 95% of applicants and charges just $14,485 net cost, making it accessible for students needing flexible admission standards. Graduates earn $38,649 annually, ranking third among schools with earnings data. The 46.9% graduation rate reflects the open-access mission rather than program quality, with average debt of $20,375 remaining manageable.

Does studying Political Science at private Minnesota colleges justify higher costs?

Private schools charge $21,000 to $25,000 net costs but offer mixed value propositions. St Olaf graduates earn $38,289 with 83.5% completion rates, while Hamline University graduates earn just $33,993 despite $21,385 net costs. Augsburg University shows the lowest debt burden among private options at $18,812 but graduates only 52.4% of students.

Where do Minnesota Political Science graduates find the best career opportunities?

Minnesota's Twin Cities metro houses major employers like UnitedHealth Group, Target, and 3M requiring government relations expertise. State government positions in St Paul offer stability, while federal agencies maintain regional offices throughout Minneapolis. Mayo Clinic's Rochester headquarters also creates healthcare policy roles, with graduates earning between $27,295 and $41,193 depending on their program choice.

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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.