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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University offers the most affordable political science education in North Carolina at just $7,237 net cost, while graduates from UNC Charlotte and East Carolina University earn $35,213 annually. This $28,000 gap between the cheapest and highest-earning programs reflects the state's varied educational market. North Carolina's Research Triangle and Charlotte banking sector create substantial demand for policy analysts and government relations specialists. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the 15 most budget-friendly programs coming from state institutions. Private schools like Shaw University and Livingstone College struggle with graduation rates below 30%, while UNC Chapel Hill achieves 92% completion despite its selective 17% acceptance rate. The state's political science programs prepare students for careers in local government, federal agencies, and the growing lobbying industry that serves North Carolina's expanding technology and financial sectors.
43
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$33,791
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
9 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
10 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
11 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
14 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
15 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
16 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
17 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
18 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
19 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
20 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
21 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
22 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
23 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
24 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
25 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
26 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
27 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
28 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
29 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
30 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
31 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
32 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
33 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
34 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
35 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
36 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
37 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
38 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
39 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
40 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
41 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
42 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
43 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the cheapest option at $7,237?

Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest net cost among all North Carolina political science programs, with in-state tuition of just $3,412. The school maintains a 74% acceptance rate while achieving a 48% graduation rate. Public funding and lower operational costs in the smaller Elizabeth City market contribute to these affordable rates.

How do graduation rates compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The most affordable schools show mixed graduation outcomes, with Elizabeth City State at 48% and Fayetteville State at 35%. UNC Chapel Hill, despite higher costs at $12,983 net price, achieves a 92% graduation rate. Western Carolina University offers a middle ground with $12,579 costs and 59% graduation rate, plus strong earnings of $29,685.

Is there a significant earnings difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Graduates from UNC Charlotte and East Carolina University earn $35,213 annually, the highest among affordable programs. UNC Asheville graduates earn just $25,194 despite similar net costs of $12,865. Winston-Salem State graduates earn $32,391 with a net cost of $13,393, showing that higher costs don't always correlate with better earnings.

Does debt load vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Student debt ranges from $14,569 at UNC Chapel Hill to $28,000 at North Carolina Central University. Western Carolina University offers one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios with $22,500 debt and $29,685 annual earnings. Appalachian State provides the lowest debt at $19,229 while maintaining strong graduation rates of 73%.

Where do the best value propositions exist among these programs?

UNC Charlotte delivers strong value with $14,745 net cost, 68% graduation rate, and $35,213 earnings potential. Western Carolina University offers another strong option at $12,579 with 59% graduation and $29,685 earnings. UNC Chapel Hill provides elite outcomes but requires stronger academic credentials with its 17% acceptance rate.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

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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.