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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Missouri

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

Missouri Southern State University delivers Political Science and Government education for just $11,653 in net costs, making it the most affordable option among Missouri's 20 programs. The state's public universities dominate the lower price brackets, with eight schools offering net costs under $15,000, while private options like Avila University reach $16,939 despite higher sticker prices. This cost advantage matters in Missouri's government-heavy market, where state agencies, federal operations, and defense contractors like Boeing create steady demand for political science graduates. Truman State University stands out with a 68.40% graduation rate at $12,030 in net costs, while Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn $39,741 annually, the highest in the state. The wide earnings range from $26,896 to $39,741 reflects different career paths, from local government positions to federal roles at agencies like the Social Security Administration, which maintains significant operations in Missouri.
28
Programs
$11,653 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$30,346
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
2 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
5 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
6 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
7 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
8 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
10 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
11 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
12 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
13 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
14 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
15 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
16 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
17 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
18 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
19 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
20 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
21 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
22 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
23 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
24 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
25 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
26 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
27 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
28 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $27,845 earnings gap between Missouri's Political Science programs?

Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn $39,741 compared to $26,896 at University of Missouri-Kansas City. This difference often reflects career paths, with higher earners typically entering federal positions or corporate government relations. Northwest's location in Maryville provides access to agricultural policy roles, while Kansas City offers more corporate opportunities. The $12,845 spread shows how program focus and regional connections impact starting salaries.

How do Missouri's cheapest Political Science programs compare in quality measures?

Missouri Southern State University costs just $11,653 but has a 38.30% graduation rate, while Truman State University costs $377 more at $12,030 with a 68.40% graduation rate. The University of Missouri-St Louis balances both factors at $12,323 with a 56.90% graduation rate. These numbers show that slightly higher costs often correlate with better student success rates and support services.

Is debt load manageable at Missouri's affordable Political Science programs?

Students at University of Missouri-Kansas City graduate with just $11,273 in debt, the lowest among reported schools. Southeast Missouri State University students carry $17,750, while Truman State students have $21,500 in debt. Given that graduates earn between $26,896 and $39,741, these debt levels remain reasonable. The debt-to-earnings ratio stays below 0.8 at most schools, indicating manageable repayment terms.

Does acceptance rate affect program quality at Missouri's cheapest Political Science schools?

Truman State University accepts 45.05% of applicants and maintains the highest graduation rate at 68.40%, suggesting selectivity benefits student success. Missouri Southern State University accepts 99.48% of applicants but graduates only 38.30% of students. William Jewell College accepts 40.99% and graduates 61.60%, showing that more selective programs often produce better completion rates. The data suggests a correlation between admission standards and student outcomes.

Where do Missouri Political Science graduates find the best entry-level opportunities?

Kansas City and St. Louis offer the most government and corporate positions, with employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare needing policy analysts. Jefferson City provides state government internships and entry-level positions given its role as the state capital. Federal agencies maintain operations throughout Missouri, creating opportunities in Social Security, Veterans Affairs, and defense contracting. The state's central location also provides access to federal positions in neighboring states.

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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.