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2023 Best Value Colleges for Political Science & Government

607 Ranked Colleges
49,282 Degrees Awarded
$14,600 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Political Science Schools

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Political Science Schools” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

In 2020-2021, 49,282 people earned their degree in political science and government, making the major the 20th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, political science and government graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $34,387 and had an average of $23,175 in loans still to pay off.

This year’s “Best Value Political Science Schools” ranking looked at 607 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in political science and government. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great political science and government programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the political science and government program at the school. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Political Science & Government Schools

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Political Science Schools” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Political Science Schools

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Political Science Schools.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Political Science & Government

1

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Brigham Young University - Provo. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. Brigham Young University - Provo is located in Provo, Utah and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 119 ’s political science degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, BYU is also in the top of our “Best Political Science & Government Schools” ranking. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our “Best Political Science & Government Schools” list. It costs about $13,474 for Political Science students per year to attend Brigham Young University - Provo.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%.

Full Brigham Young University - Provo Political Science & Government Report

2
American Military University crest
American Public University System
Charles Town, West Virginia

Out of the 607 schools in the Best Value Political Science Schools that were part of this year’s ranking, American Public University System landed the #2 spot on the list. American Public University System is a large school located in Charles Town, West Virginia that handed out 97 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for American Military University is $10,563 for political science students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 98%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at American Public University System

3
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Florida State University. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Political Science Schools. Tallahassee, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s political science degrees to 513 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on this list, Florida State is in the top on our “Best Political Science & Government Schools” list. It’s in the top [COLLEGE_QUALITY_PECTENTILE_ALL_LEVES]% of all schools in this category. It costs about $9,946 for political science students per year to attend Florida State University.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Political Science & Government at Florida State

4
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South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend South Dakota State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. South Dakota State is a fairly large school located in Brookings, South Dakota that handed out 21 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend South Dakota State University is $18,578 for political science students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at South Dakota State

5

Out of the 607 schools in the Best Value Political Science Schools that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Wisconsin - River Falls landed the #5 spot on the list. University of Wisconsin - River Falls is a medium-sized public school situated in River Falls, Wisconsin. It awarded 12 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $13,844 for Political Science students per year to attend University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at University of Wisconsin - River Falls

6

University of South Florida - Main Campus ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Political Science Schools list. USF Tampa is a large public school situated in Tampa, Florida. It awarded 189 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $8,346 for political science students per year to attend USF Tampa.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at USF Tampa

7

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking, coming in at #7. La Crosse, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s political science degrees to 59 students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend UW - La Crosse is $14,654 for Political Science students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Full UW - La Crosse Political Science & Government Report

8
9

Brigham Young University - Idaho landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. BYU - I is a large school located in Rexburg, Idaho that handed out 28 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,698 for political science students per year to attend BYU - I.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at BYU - I

10
UND crest
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota

University of North Dakota landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, this fairly large public school awarded 21 diplomas to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for UND is $16,966 for Political Science students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at University of North Dakota

11

University of Akron Main Campus landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. University of Akron Main Campus is a fairly large public school situated in Akron, Ohio. It awarded 57 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for University of Akron Main Campus is $17,945 for Political Science students.

Full University of Akron Main Campus Political Science & Government Report

12

North Dakota State University - Main Campus landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. Located in Fargo, North Dakota, this fairly large public school awarded 25 diplomas to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend North Dakota State University - Main Campus is $16,998 for political science students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at North Dakota State University - Main Campus

13

With a ranking of #13, Florida International University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. Located in Miami, Florida, this large public school awarded 345 degrees to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Florida International University is $5,298 for political science students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at FIU

14
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University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota

University of South Dakota came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. University of South Dakota is a medium-sized school located in Vermillion, South Dakota that handed out 30 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $19,389 for Political Science students per year to attend University of South Dakota.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at USD

15

University of Minnesota - Duluth landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, this medium-sized public school handed out 42 degrees to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $18,505 for Political Science students per year to attend UMN Duluth.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at UMN Duluth

16

University of Northern Iowa did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking, coming in at #16. UNI is a public institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 33 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend University of Northern Iowa is $16,438 for Political Science students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at UNI

17

Northern Illinois University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Political Science Schools ranking. Northern Illinois University is a fairly large public school situated in Dekalb, Illinois. It awarded 75 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Northern Illinois University is $13,956 for Political Science students.

Full Northern Illinois University Political Science & Government Report

18

University of Minnesota - Morris ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Political Science Schools list. Located in Morris, Minnesota, this small public school handed out 10 diplomas to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,529 for political science students per year to attend University of Minnesota - Morris.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at University of Minnesota - Morris

19
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

With a ranking of #19, University of Florida did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. UF is a large public school situated in Gainesville, Florida. It awarded 407 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UF is also in the top of our “Best Political Science & Government Schools” ranking. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our “Best Political Science & Government Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend UF is $5,135 for Political Science students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Political Science & Government at UF

20

Arizona State University - Skysong ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Political Science Schools list. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, this large public school handed out 178 degrees to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at ASU - Skysong

21
WMU crest
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan

With a ranking of #21, Western Michigan University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. This fairly large school is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and it awarded 60 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for WMU is $20,371 for political science students.

Read more about Political Science & Government at WMU

22
NAU crest
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona

Northern Arizona University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools ranking, coming in at #22. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, this large public school handed out 71 degrees to qualified ’s political science students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Northern Arizona University is $14,308 for political science students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at Northern Arizona University

23
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

With a ranking of #23, Liberty University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 177 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Liberty University is $29,382 for political science students.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at Liberty University

24
Truman State crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, Missouri

Truman State University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Political Science Schools list. Truman State is located in Kirksville, Missouri and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 32 ’s political science degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $12,301 for political science students per year to attend Truman State.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Political Science & Government at Truman State University

25

With a ranking of #25, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Political Science Schools list. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire is a fairly large public school situated in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It awarded 39 ’s political science degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire is $16,051 for political science students.

Read full report on Political Science & Government at UW - Eau Claire

Rest of the Best 50 in Best Value Political Science Schools

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

26
27
28
29
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Hunter College
New York, New York
30
31
Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
32
33
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Purdue University - Main Campus
West Lafayette, Indiana
34
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University of Houston
Houston, Texas
35
36
37
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University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
38
UofM crest
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
39
The Graduate Center crest
The Graduate Center, CUNY
New York, New York
39
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Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, California
41
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Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
42
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Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
43
44
45
45
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Queens College
Queens, New York
47
48
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Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
49
50

Rest of the Top 15% Colleges in Best Value Political Science Schools

While not in the ’top 50’, these schools make the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

RankCollegeLocation
51Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX
52University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointStevens Point, WI
52Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA
54Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL
55University of GeorgiaAthens, GA
56Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud, MN
57Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX
58University of Wisconsin - Green BayGreen Bay, WI
59California State University - FresnoFresno, CA
60Ohio University - Athens CampusAthens, OH
61University of North FloridaJacksonville, FL
62University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC
63University of KansasLawrence, KS
64University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE
65University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI
RankCollegeLocation
66Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH
67Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC
68Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale, MI
68Missouri State University - SpringfieldSpringfield, MO
70The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX
71Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA
72Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC
73University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC
74California State University - SacramentoSacramento, CA
75Purdue University NorthwestHammond, IN
76Arkansas State University - Main CampusJonesboro, AR
77University of Illinois at SpringfieldSpringfield, IL
78San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CA
79Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston, IL
79Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS
81Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ
82Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MS
83University of Nevada - RenoReno, NV
84University of Oklahoma Norman CampusNorman, OK
85University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT
86Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO
87Minnesota State University - MankatoMankato, MN
88Arizona State University - TempeTempe, AZ
89James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA
90University of North Carolina at WilmingtonWilmington, NC
RankCollegeLocation
91University of Missouri - ColumbiaColumbia, MO
92Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville, IL

Notes and References

References

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