Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Tennessee

Le Moyne-Owen College breaks the private school cost barrier with a $8,992 net price for Political Science students, undercutting Tennessee's public universities by thousands. The 15 programs surveyed span from $8,992 to $22,874, creating a $13,882 gap that reflects sharp differences between institutional priorities. Vanderbilt leads earnings at $43,798 annually despite charging $63,946 in tuition, while graduates from public universities like UT-Martin earn $28,598 with far less debt. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means political science graduates keep more of their paychecks, whether they pursue careers in Nashville's state government offices or work with the healthcare corporations that dominate the state economy. Public universities claim 8 of the 10 most affordable spots, with acceptance rates above 70% at most institutions. The state's political market offers internship opportunities from the Tennessee General Assembly to municipal governments across 95 counties.

Programs

$8,992 – $32,096

Net Price Range

$31,605

Avg. Program Earnings

56.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992	$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
2	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$8,568	33.0%
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
4	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
5	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
6	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
7	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
8	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
9	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
10	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
11	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
12	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
13	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
14	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
15	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
16	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
17	Lee University Cleveland, Tennessee	$20,399	$22,690	60.7%	72.6%
18	Maryville College Maryville, Tennessee	$20,986	$38,514	47.2%	69.5%
19	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131	$39,350	60.3%	66.7%
20	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
21	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
22	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
23	Rhodes College Memphis, Tennessee	$25,060	$54,892	81.6%	53.9%
24	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
25	Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee	$26,135	$24,298	43.5%	71.0%
26	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815	$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
27	The University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee	$27,498	$53,698	82.4%	52.3%
28	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Moyne-Owen College the cheapest option for Political Science in Tennessee?

Le Moyne-Owen College offers Political Science at just $8,992 net price, nearly $2,000 less than Tennessee State University's $10,026. The Memphis-based private college accepts 99.56% of applicants, making admission accessible to most students. However, the graduation rate sits at 24.70%, significantly lower than other Tennessee institutions in this price range.

How do public university costs compare to private schools for Political Science majors?

Tennessee's public universities average around $12,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Vanderbilt charge $19,040 despite generous financial aid. The University of Tennessee system schools range from $10,299 at Martin to $18,109 at Knoxville. Middle Tennessee State offers the best value among major public universities at $12,599 net price with a 54% graduation rate.

Is Vanderbilt worth the higher cost for Political Science students?

Vanderbilt graduates earn $43,798 annually, about $12,000 more than typical Tennessee public university graduates. The 92.70% graduation rate far exceeds other schools, and graduates carry just $14,000 in debt compared to $20,500+ at most public institutions. However, admission remains highly competitive with only 6.67% acceptance rate.

Does the University of Tennessee system offer good Political Science value?

UT-Knoxville provides the strongest combination of reputation and earnings at $31,795 annually for graduates, with 73.50% completing their degrees. UT-Martin costs less at $10,299 net price but graduates earn $28,598 on average. UT-Chattanooga falls between these options at $12,817 net cost with $26,933 in graduate earnings.

Where do Political Science graduates find jobs in Tennessee?

Nashville houses state government offices, healthcare corporations like HCA, and music industry legal departments that hire political science graduates. Memphis offers opportunities in logistics and healthcare administration given its role as a transportation center. Tennessee's 95 counties provide local government positions, while the state's lack of income tax makes any salary more valuable than equivalent positions in other states.

More Political Science and Government Rankings

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

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

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