Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University breaks the mold for Political Science and Government education in Oregon, delivering a quality program at just $12,932 net cost while maintaining a 93% acceptance rate. This affordability advantage becomes striking when compared to Reed College's $39,951 price tag, creating a $27,019 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. Oregon's political market offers strong career prospects for graduates, with the state capital in Salem housing numerous government agencies and Portland serving as the economic center with major corporations like Intel and Nike requiring policy analysts and government relations specialists. The state's 15 programs span from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities, with graduation rates ranging from 37% at Eastern Oregon University to 76% at Reed College. Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with all six state schools falling below the $22,000 net cost threshold.

Programs

$12,932 – $39,951

Net Price Range

$32,581

Avg. Program Earnings

62.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987	$10,671	36.6%	98.5%
3	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
6	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
7	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782	$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
8	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663	$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
9	Corban University Salem, Oregon	$25,525	$37,208	61.0%	34.8%
10	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
11	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981	$40,940	68.7%	91.7%
12	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350	$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
13	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
14	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
15	Reed College Portland, Oregon	$39,951	$67,020	75.9%	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University such an affordable option for Political Science students?

Portland State University offers the lowest net cost at $12,932 while maintaining broad accessibility with a 93% acceptance rate. The university benefits from Oregon's public funding model and serves over 27,000 students, creating economies of scale that keep costs down. Graduates earn a median of $29,202, providing reasonable returns given the low educational investment required.

How much more do private colleges cost compared to public options in Oregon?

Private Political Science programs cost significantly more, with the gap reaching $27,019 between Portland State's $12,932 and Reed College's $39,951 net costs. However, some private schools like Willamette University at $23,663 remain competitive with higher-priced public options. Private institutions often provide higher graduation rates, with Willamette achieving 73% compared to the public average of 52%.

Where do Political Science graduates find the best earning potential in Oregon?

Pacific University graduates lead in earnings at $37,208, followed closely by Lewis & Clark College and Willamette University graduates at $36,848 each. These private institutions significantly outpace public school earnings, with University of Oregon graduates earning $35,274 as the top public option. The state's government sector in Salem and corporate headquarters in Portland drive much of this earning potential.

Does attending a more selective program guarantee better outcomes?

Reed College, the most selective at 31% acceptance, achieves the highest graduation rate at 76% but lacks available salary data. Corban University, with only 35% acceptance, graduates 61% of students, showing selectivity doesn't always translate to completion. University of Portland graduates earn just $22,999 despite the school's 80% graduation rate, proving that selectivity and outcomes don't always align predictably.

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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.