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Cheapest Political Science and Government Colleges in Virginia

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

Political science students in Virginia can find surprising value at small liberal arts colleges that compete directly with public university pricing. Mary Baldwin University delivers a net price of $17,833 despite its $33,157 sticker price, while University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the state's most affordable option at just $11,180. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, with George Mason University graduates earning $41,984 compared to Virginia Wesleyan's $26,353. Virginia's proximity to Washington DC creates natural advantages for political science majors, with major government contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton offering career pathways that extend far beyond traditional government roles. The state's 20 programs span from mountain communities to Norfolk's naval center, with net prices ranging from $11,180 to $22,263.
36
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$37,841
Avg. Program Earnings
61.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
3 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
8 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
9 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
12 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
13 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
14 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
15 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
16 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
17 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
18 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
19 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
20 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
21 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
22 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
23 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
24 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
25 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
26 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
27 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
28 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
29 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
30 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
31 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
32 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
33 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
34 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
35 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
36 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between political science programs in Virginia?

George Mason University graduates earn $41,984 annually, nearly $15,000 more than the Virginia average and $15,631 more than Virginia Wesleyan graduates who earn $26,353. Location plays a major role, as George Mason's proximity to Washington DC provides direct access to federal agencies and consulting firms. Old Dominion and Radford graduates both earn around $38,000, suggesting that larger public universities provide stronger career services and alumni networks than smaller regional institutions.

How do private college costs compare to public options after financial aid?

Several private colleges in Virginia cost less than public universities after financial aid calculations. Mary Baldwin University's net price of $17,833 beats Virginia Commonwealth University's $19,452 despite VCU being a public institution. Regent University costs $18,749 net, while Radford University charges $16,640. The VTAG grant program helps Virginia residents attend private colleges, often making them competitive with in-state public tuition rates.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Virginia political science programs?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better graduation outcomes, though exceptions exist. George Mason University combines a $18,287 net price with a 69.30% graduation rate, while Norfolk State University's lower $12,973 cost corresponds to a 32.70% completion rate. Virginia Commonwealth University achieves a solid 65.40% graduation rate at $19,452, proving that mid-tier pricing can deliver strong student success when combined with urban career opportunities.

Where can students find the most accessible political science programs by admission standards?

Most Virginia political science programs maintain open admission policies, with 12 of the 15 listed schools accepting over 85% of applicants. Emory & Henry University accepts 96.85% of applicants while Old Dominion admits 95.14%. Regent University stands as the notable exception with only 32.34% acceptance, reflecting its religious mission and specific academic requirements rather than academic selectivity.

What debt levels should students expect from Virginia political science programs?

Student debt varies significantly across Virginia political science programs, ranging from $20,000 to $27,000 among reporting schools. George Mason University graduates carry $20,449 in debt but earn $41,984, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Virginia State University students graduate with $27,000 in debt, the highest reported figure. Radford University strikes a balance with $22,375 in debt and $38,829 starting earnings.

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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.