15 Best Affordable Political Science Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

The best affordable political science degree programs can help civic-minded, action-oriented students stretch their tuition budget while advocating for community change. Low-cost political science degree programs help you affordably study our complex democratic systems. Bachelor’s degrees in political science teach undergrads how to successfully run for elected office and pass government legislation. Political science majors dive deep into areas of public concern, such as:

• health insurance
• economic prosperity
• civil rights
• gun control,
• education

Now’s an exciting time to get a best-value political science degree. The New York Times predicts increasing civic engagement where 70 percent of America’s 200 million eligible citizens will vote. In 2018, our nation had the biggest midterm turnout since 1914. Whether conservative, liberal, or independent, political science students will learn about different views on hot topics that impact society.

Our Methodology

Affordable Schools researched high-value political science degree candidates in the race to train savvy government leaders on a budget. We started by accessing the U.S. Education’s NCES College Navigator database. Our team input advanced search criteria that browsed only four-year bachelor’s majors in political science. We found a huge potential pool of 100 institutions. We weeded out universities with exorbitant prices by reviewing the 2018-19 tuition data. We specifically recorded the in-state cost of attendance for undergrads during one year of study. Though not weighed, the out-of-state annual estimate was included for reference. We gave each political science program one to five points based on the scale below to measure affordability.

Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point 

Next, the AS Staff made student: faculty ratios a pivotal ranking factor. Student:faculty ratios are reliable proportions that show how many students there are per professor. Ratios of 10:1 and less are superior because teachers will be more readily available for personal interaction. Political science majors benefit greatly from small classes where debates are lively. Students enhance their public speaking skills and learn to argue their policy points articulately. Universities with low student:faculty ratios also provide ample opportunities to:

• research political practices
• intern with politicians
• join government clubs
• take domestic or overseas trips

Based on the student: faculty ratio data from NCES, we repeated the first step by giving one to three points to each institution. 

Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point

Finally, Affordable Schools put graduation rates on the ballot to determine the best accredited college for political science degree options. We recorded the average graduation rate during the 2018-19 school year for each candidate. High graduation rates give freshmen and transfers a vote of confidence that their education will be high-quality. That’s because this percentage tells how many undergrads finished their bachelor’s in four to six years. Institutions who graduate the vast majority of their students are proven to satisfy diverse learner needs. We devised another three-point rubric to reward programs with graduation rates above 50 percent, as reported by NCES. Our team added up all points, kept the 15 highest scorers, and put the affordable political science degree majors in descending order by in-state tuition. 

Points:
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point

Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Political Science Degrees

15. Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Total Points: 8 
Program Website

Northeastern State University is a public, four-year MIAA member. It enrolls over 7,000 undergraduates from 25 countries. It has been home to the Center for Tribal Studies since 1990.In 2013, the NSU Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature delegate won the Best House Legislation Award. Northeastern State was a 2017 NSF Native American Political Leadership Program finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 137th for bachelor’s degrees. It was also ranked America’s 360th best faculty by Niche and 499th most value-added institution in The Economist.

The College of Liberal Arts offers an affordable B.A. in Political Science to study policymaking in a government and tribal context. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum has three tracks:

• American Institutions,
• International Relations,
• Political Behavior.

Students can also:

• compete with Model United Nations
• attend the Summer Policy Institute
• join Debate Team
• intern at the Oklahoma State Chamber
• pledge Pi Sigma Alpha,
• visit Mexico. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $6,650
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,720
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent

14. Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS

Total Points: 8
Program Website

Mississippi Valley State University is a public, four-year HBCU. It enrolls over 2,000 students from 10 countries. In 2018, Mississippi Valley Mock Trial Team won the ODY Owl Classic Top Award. The university was also the 2017 State Diversity Educator of the Year Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mississippi Valley 36th for historically Black education. The university was ranked:

• America’s 370th best faculty by Niche
• 116th best public administration school by College Factual
• 354th top value by WalletHub

The Social Science Department offers a low-cost B.A. in Government and Politics. The 121-credit, SACS-accredited program builds on core courses like the American Constitution with a Political Science or Public Administration concentration. Majors might also:

• choose the Pre-Law Minor
• attend the National Conference of Black Political Scientists
• join Pi Sigma Alpha
• do research in the Rural Poverty Center
• intern with Senator Roger Wicker 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics
In-State Tuition: $6,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,550
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent

13. Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO

Total Points: 8
Program Website

Missouri Southern State University is a public, coed Joplin institution. It enrolls about 5,500 undergraduates from 11 countries. It celebrates Constitution Day each September 17th at the James R. Spradling Center for Law & Politics. In 2016, MSSU accepted a Model Arab League Distinguished Delegation Award. Missouri Southern also earned a 2013 Omicron Delta Kappa Circle of Distinction Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Missouri Southern 61st in the Midwest The university was ranked:

• America’s 633rd safest campus by Niche
• 497th best value by College Factual
• 305th top school in Washington Monthly

The university admits freshmen meeting a 2.25 GPA minimum into the affordable Political Science B.A./B.S. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited programs share core courses like Legislative Process and Public Opinion. Students can also:

• add the Social Studies Grades 9-12 Certification
• select the International Politics Minor
• join the Young Americans for Liberty
• tour the George Washington Carver Monument
• intern with the ACLU
• semester in South Korea. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,503
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,005
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent

12. Central State University

Wilberforce, OH

Total Points: 8
Program Website

Central State University is Ohio’s only public, state-funded HBCU that’s linked to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It enrolls over 2,000 students. It sponsors the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Organizing Solutions Conference. In 2019, CSU had two Brandon Billips Youth Service Leadership Award winners. The university also received a 2017 Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked in the top 79 Midwest colleges. The university was ranked America’s 274th most liberal school by Niche and 166th most focused public service university by College Factual. 

The Social & Behavioral Sciences Department offers a low-cost B.A. in Political Science for students with GPAs above 2.5. The 124-credit, HLC-accredited program ends with a capstone seminar after courses like National Government and Microeconomics. Students may also:

• intern with Greene County
• contribute to the Black Oak Project
• join Leadership in Action
• run for Junior Class Council
• explore Guyana,
• benefit from the John Marshall Law School Partnership. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $6,346
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,346
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 23 percent 

11. Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, NM

Total Points: 8 
Program Website

Eastern New Mexico University is a diverse, public HACU member chartered in 1927.It enrolls over 6,000 students. It archives the Government Documents Collection at its 94,000-square-foot Golden Library. In 2019, Eastern New Mexico earned the LSC Team Academic Excellence Award. It also received a 2018 Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Chapter Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Eastern New Mexico University in the 127 top Western choices. The university was ranked:

• America’s 10th cheapest online college by the SR Education Group
• New Mexico’s third hardest school by Niche. 

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers an affordable B.A./B.S. in Political Science. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence involves declaring a minor like:

• criminal justice
• legal studies
• broadcast media
• economics

Students can also:

• join the Mock Trial Team
• apply for the Navin Sinha Memorial Scholarship
• campaign for Student Government
• intern with Think New Mexico
• summer in Oslo. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,326
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,247
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent

10. New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM

Total Points: 8
Program Website

New Mexico Highlands University is a public, Hispanic-serving liberal arts RMAC member. It enrolls over 3,500 students. New Mexico Highlands University was featured in the 1984 film Red Dawn starring Patrick Swayze. In 2012, New Mexico Highlands received the NAIOP Post Secondary Award of Excellence. The university also earned a 2010 Sigma Xi Chapter Award for Distinguished Performance. The U.S. News & World Report ranked New Mexico Highlands among the 127 top West schools. The university was ranked:

• America’s 196th best value by Educate to Career
• 106th best faculty by Niche
• 19th top public school by the Brookings Institution. 

The College of Arts & Sciences offers an affordable degree in Political Science (B.A.). The 120-credit, HLC-accredited option has 100 percent acceptance into courses like Political Theory for Pre-Law or Liberal Arts emphases. Students can also:

• serve with Amnesty International
• pledge Phi Kappa Phi
• join the Debate Society
• intern at the New Mexico Supreme Court
• study abroad in Trujillo. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,150
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,302
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 21 percent

9. University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA

Total Points: 8
Program Website

The University of North Georgia is the Peach State’s only senior public, coed military college. It enrolls over 19,000 undergrads across 129 majors. It esteemed Corps of Cadets, the Boar’s Head Brigade has existed since 1873. In 2017, North Georgia won the Division II Award of Excellence for its Operation Nighthawks of Honor Initiative. The university was also the 2015 Georgia Political Science Association’s McBrayer Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked North Georgia 13th for regional innovation. It was also ranked:

• America’s 193rd best public university by Forbes
• 21st most conservative college by Niche. 

The College of Arts & Letters an affordable Political Science (B.S.) that examines formal electoral processes to lead positive policy movements. The 123-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum comes with a built-in Military Science Minor. It also has an optional Pre-Law or American Politics concentration. Undergrads may also:

• attend the NATO Cyber Conference
• transfer from the Political Science (A.A.)
• enter the Governor’s Intern Program
• volunteer with Legal Momentum
• join the College Republicans. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Science in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $4,692
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,514
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent

8. University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

Total Points: 8
Program Website

The University of North Carolina-Pembroke is a state-funded, coed PBC member founded for Native Americans. It enrolls over 7,000 students. It partnered with The Institute of World Politics in 2018 for a $2,200 Guaranteed Scholarship. In 2019, its Political Science Department was a UNC System Award for Teaching Excellence recipient. The university also won a 2017 North Carolina Campus Compact Civil Action Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UNC-Pembroke 235th for public affairs programs. The university was ranked:

• America’s 477th most liberal school by Niche
• 223rd top public service value by College Factual
• 229th best university in Washington Monthly.

The College of Arts & Sciences has launched a low-cost Political Science B.A. for Brave Nation to better understand the electoral forces of civic government. The 121-credit, SACS-accredited program offers four options:

• Public Policy & Administration
• Pre-Law
• General Political Science
• International Studies.

Students can also:

• pursue the Online MPA
• join Pi Sigma Alpha
• compete with Model UN
• attend the Forward Cities Conference
• travel to Berlin,
• apply for the Weisberg Scholarship. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $3,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,418
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent

7. CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY

Total Points: 9
Program Website

CUNY Brooklyn College is a public, state-assisted ACE member. It enrolls over 14,500 undergraduates. In 2020 the college awarded Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. In 2014, its Political Science Department won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. CUNY Brooklyn was also the 2014 APSA Minority and Urban Politics Award of Excellence recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY Brooklyn19th for regional public education. The college was ranked America’s 144th best buy in Money and 195th best college for social sciences by Niche. 

The School of Humanities & Social Sciences offers an inexpensive B.A. in Political Science. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited major integrates engaging seminars like Comparative Politics and The Politics of Race. Students may also:

• participate in the Shirley Chisholm Project
• minor in Global Studies,
• join Pre-Law Club
• intern with the Roosevelt Institute
• attend the NYS Health Act Symposium
• study in China. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $7,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent

6. Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS

Total Points: 9
Program Website

Mississippi University for Women is a rural, coed AASCU member. It enrolls over 2,500 undergraduates on its 114-acre Columbus. It sponsors the John C. Stennis Center of Public Service’s Annual N.E.W. Leadership Program. In 2017, an MUW alumna won the Women Making a Difference in Politics Award. It also won the 2015 Mississippi Cultural Heritage Digitization Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mississippi University for Women 20th for regional public education. The university was voted America’s 503rd most conservative college by Niche and 452nd top value in Money magazine.

The College of Arts, Sciences & Education offers a top-value B.A. in Political Science that prepares undergrads for problem-solving legislative actions. The 124-credit, SACS-accredited program requires foreign language proficiency plus courses like Political Analysis and Southern Politics. Majors may also:

• intern with Winfield Law Firm
• join Democracy Matters
• apply to be Peyton Scholars
• add the Public Administration Certificate
• exchange to Aichi Shukutoku University.

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $6,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,940
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent

5. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR

Total Points: 9
Program Website

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a public, four-year UA System branch. It enrolls over 6,600 students. It has been a member of the AASCU’s American Democracy Project since 2003. In 2018, UAFS earned a Chamber of Commerce Healthy Workplace Award. the university also received a 2015 ADHE Regional Workforce Planning Grant. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UA-Fort Smith in the top 85 Southern schools. The university was also ranked:

• America’s 85th best dining center by Niche
• 145th best bachelor’s in Washington Monthly
• 534rd top value by College Factual

The College of Communication, Language Arts & Social Sciences offers a low-cost BA in Political Science to gain historical and philosophical perspective on public affairs. The 120-credit, SACS-accredited major accepts an average 3.23 GPA for courses like Constitutional Law and World Geography. Students can also:

• intern with Rep. Steve Womack
• pledge Alpha Lambda Delta
• join the Young Democrats
• present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
• engage in Gordon Kelley Center,
• tour Paris. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $5,593
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,666
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent

4. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Total Points: 9
Program Website

Western Carolina University is a public, LEED-certified Greater Asheville branch campus. It enrolls about 10,000 undergraduates from 48 states. It has served 26 counties with the Local Government Training Program since 1984. In 2018, the WCU Student Democracy Coalition won an Engagement Scholarship Consortium Award. The university was a 2014 NCCC Community Impact Student Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Carolina University 58th for bachelor’s degrees. The university was ranked:

• America’s 280th most conservative college by Niche
• 165th most selective university by WalletHub

The Social Sciences Department offers a low-cost B.A./B.S. in Political Science to research real-world government issues affecting voters. The 120-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum reports 95.7 percent job placement success. Courses from National Security to World Cultures. Students may also:

• do research in the Public Policy Institute
• join the College Democrats
• travel to Capitol Hill
• intern with the Southwestern Commission
• pursue the Fifth-Year MPA
• become Department Ambassadors. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $3,926
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,926
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent

3. CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY

Total Points: 10
Program Website

CUNY Hunter College is a state-funded, coed APLU member. It enrolls nearly 22,900 students. The college is highly regarded for its Pre-Law Advising Program with NYS Court of Appeals Judge Carmen Ciparick. In 2011, CUNY Hunter won the APSA Michael Harrington Award for Social Change winner. It also won 2007 Okin-Young Award in Feminist Political Theory. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY Hunter 151st for public affairs programs. It was also ranked America’s 320th top institution by The Wall Street Journal and 26th most liberal college by Niche.

The School of Arts & Sciences offers a top-value Political Science Major (B.A.) that examines the political systems adopted in developed and emerging nations. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited program started in 2009 involves courses from Urban Politics to The American Judiciary. Students can also:

• apply for the Joan Pincus Scholarship
• join Pi Sigma Alpha
• engage in the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy
• take the Pew Leadership Year
• select the Political Theory Minor. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $7,182
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,852
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

2. CUNY City College

New York, NY

Total Points: 10
Program Website

CUNY City College is Manhattan’s oldest public, four-year Urban 13 member. It was founded in 1847. It enrolls about 13,600 undergradaduates from 154 countries. It operates the Edward T. Rogowsky International Program in Government & Public Affairs. In 2018, CCNY won the American Political Science Association Travel Award . It was also a 2017 Wilson Carey McWilliams Best Political Paper Award finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY City College 55th in the North. The college was also ranked:

• America’s 84th best value in Forbes
• 43rd top institution by Washington Monthly
• 175th best location by Niche.

The Division of Humanities & Arts offers an inexpensive Political Science B.A. available for studying how government institutions should work. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited program requires passing the College Proficiency Exam. Courses range from Political Ideas to Speech Writing. Students can also:

• take the Colin Powell Washington DC Semester
• minor in Community Change Studies
• apply for the Belle Zeller Trust Scholarship
• visit Spain
• join Access Futures Club.

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 
In-State Tuition: $7,140
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,810
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent

1. Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND

Total Points: 10
Program Website

Dickinson State University is a small, state-assisted NAIA member created in 1918. It enrolls about 1,400 students. The university houses the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. North Dakota State Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner is a Dickinson State University graduate. In 2016, DSU won a Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politics. Dickinson was also a 2017 APSA Party Politics Award winner for Region Five. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Dickinson State sixth for Midwest public education. It was also ranked:

• America’s 294th top baccalaureate school in Washington Monthly
• 61st best value by College Factual.

The Department of Social Sciences offers an affordable B.A. in Political Science to develop lifelong civic interests for enhancing government functions. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited program has options in International Relations Option and Pre-Law Professional Option. Students might also:

• minor in Geography
• join the League of Political Scientists
• pledge Pi Sigma Alpha
• attend the Humanities Festival
• intern with The Legislative Council
• semester in Argentina. 

Degree Options:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,768
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,546
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent

Which Careers are Available After Economical Political Science Degree Programs?

Students at affordable colleges for political science degree bachelor’s degrees have the freedom to advance into graduate school or enter many different public sector jobs. For example, legislative assistants carry out secretarial duties like answering constituent calls for elected officials. Policy analysts research the costs and benefits of political stances for informed decision-making. Political consultants devise public relations strategies for candidates to persuade voters. Fundraising managers make political campaigns successful by bringing in big-dollar donations. Intelligence analysts track and eradicate security threats to our government’s well-being. Political pundits appear on broadcast media to articulately break down current events for viewers. Government affairs directors advise companies on new political initiatives that could impact business. Lobbyists seek to gain congressional support for legislation that benefits their cause. Other career options include:

• social studies teacher
• pollster
• civil rights activist
• social media manager
• arbitrator
• paralegal
• political historian
• legislator
• city manager
• foreign service officer.  

What is the Earnings Potential with a Cost-Effective Political Science Degree?

Choosing the most affordable university for political science degree programs can dramatically hike up one’s return on investment in meaningful jobs. In 2019, the Congressional Institute reports that elected representatives earn $174,000 yearly. Majority and minority leaders both receive $193,400. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi receives $223,500. Government executives like mayors and governors earn median pay of $104,980. The Labor Department reports that political scientists earn a mean annual wage of $115,300. State and local legislators can make anywhere from $17,480 to $97,510. Campaign and fundraising managers bring home mean revenue of $131,570. Government affairs directors report average earnings of $114,473. Arbitrators and mediators make a median wage of $72,760. Political news correspondents are compensated $55,530 on average. Social science professors are paid a mean salary of $79,050. Paralegals mostly earn between $31,400 and $82,050.

How Does the Job Market Look for Top-Value Political Science Degree Graduates?

Attending an accredited affordable university for political science degree programs can make individuals more likely to succeed in today’s highly competitive political arena. In 2018, the U.S. saw a record-breaking number of 575 women run for elected offices during the midterms. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects hiring of political scientists to slowly rise 3 percent for 200 openings by 2026. Employment of top executives will increase by 8 percent. Public relations specialists will see 10-year job growth of 9 percent. Demand for legal assistants will jump quickly by 15 percent. Arbitrators and conciliators have a promising outlook for 10 percent growth. The number of pollsters and survey researchers will rise 2 percent this decade. Fundraisers will benefit from a 15 percent uptick to 90,400 total positions.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable political science degrees (bachelor’s).

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