Polling 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 are reasonably priced for anyone to 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, and education. As the 2020 presidential primaries kick off, 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. Last year, 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
Therefore, Affordable Schools decided to research 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. Our campaign turned up 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 elected to make student-faculty ratios a pivotal ranking factor. Student-faculty ratios are reliable proportions that show how many learners 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 civilized yet heated. 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, and 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 bachelor’s 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 delegate. 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 cheap 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
Home to the Center for Tribal Studies in Bacone House since 1990, Northeastern State University is a public, four-year MIAA member that’s endowed for $17.4 million to educate 7,045 undergrad RiverHawks from 25 countries across 54 low-cost majors at three Sooner State locations. In 2013, the NSU Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature delegate won the Best House Legislation Award. Northeastern State had a prestigious 2017 NSF Native American Political Leadership Program finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Northeastern 137th for bachelor’s degrees. NSU was named America’s 360th best faculty on Niche and 499th most value-added institution in The Economist.
Northeastern State University snagged the last 15th spot among affordable colleges for inexpensive political science degree programs with a $6,650 in-state price. At Seminary Hall, the College of Liberal Arts presents a cheap B.A. in Political Science for Tahlequah undergrads to study policymaking in a government and tribal context. Chaired by Dr. Daniel Savage, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum splits into three tracks: American Institutions, International Relations, and Political Behavior. RiverHawks could also compete with Model United Nations, attend the Summer Policy Institute, join Debate Team, intern at the Oklahoma State Chamber, pledge Pi Sigma Alpha, and 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
Visited by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for its 2019 Rural Policy Forum, Mississippi Valley State University is a public, four-year HBCU that’s endowed for $1.9 million to serve 2,406 Delta Devils from 10 nations at its 450-acre Leflore County campus off Highway 82. In 2018, the MVSU Mock Trial Team won the ODY Owl Classic Top Award. Mississippi Valley State had the 2017 State Diversity Educator of the Year Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mississippi Valley 36th for historically Black education. MVSU was labeled America’s 370th best faculty on Niche, 116th best public administration school by College Factual, and 354th top value by WalletHub.
Mississippi Valley State University has the 14th best affordable degree in political science with a $6,550 annual price and 15:1 student-faculty ratio. At W.A. Butts Hall, the Social Science Department grants a low-cost B.A. in Government and Politics to prepare multicultural undergrads for good citizenship. Coordinated by Dr. Richard Mushi, the economical, 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, research in the Rural Poverty Center, and 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
Celebrating Constitution Day each September 17th at the James R. Spradling Center for Law & Politics, Missouri Southern State University is a public, coed Joplin institute on Duquesne Road that budgets $80.2 million to educate 5,590 undergrad Lions from 11 countries across over 120 different low-cost fields. In 2016, MSSU accepted a Model Arab League Distinguished Delegation Award. Missouri Southern State earned a 2013 Omicron Delta Kappa Circle of Distinction Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Missouri Southern 61st in the Midwest. MSSU was deemed America’s 633rd safest campus on Niche, 497th best value by College Factual, and 305th top school in Washington Monthly.
Missouri Southern State University landed 13th among affordable colleges for top-value political science degree choices with yearly in-state tuition of $6,503. At Webster Hall, the School of Arts & Sciences admits freshmen meeting a 2.25 GPA minimum into the cheap Political Science B.A./B.S. to study the roles of government. Headed by Dr. Ree Wells-Lewis, the economical, 120-credit, HLC-accredited plans share core courses like Legislative Process and Public Opinion. Lions could 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, and 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
Sponsoring the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Organizing Solutions Conference since 2017, Central State University is Ohio’s only public, state-funded HBCU that’s linked to the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate 2,154 Marauders in Division II with a Wilberforce and Dayton campus. In 2019, CSU had two Brandon Billips Youth Service Leadership Award winners. CSU received a 2017 Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Central State in the top 79 Midwest colleges. CSU was called America’s 274th most liberal school on Niche and 166th most focused public service university by College Factual.
Central State University is Affordable Schools’ 12th best accredited university for political science degree students to pay $8,346 or less each year. At Wesley Hall, the Social & Behavioral Sciences Department awards a low-cost B.A. in Political Science for students with GPAs above 2.5 to explore today’s legislative challenges. Led by Dr. Liza Abram-Benham, the inexpensive, 124-credit, HLC-accredited pathway ends with a capstone seminar after courses like National Government and Microeconomics. Learners may also intern with Greene County, contribute to the Black Oak Project, join Leadership in Action, run for Junior Class Council, explore Guyana, and 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
Archiving the Government Documents Collection at its 94,000-square-foot Golden Library worth $26 million, Eastern New Mexico University is a diverse, public HACU member chartered by Governor Dillon in 1927 that has 161 full-time faculty teaching 6,027 Greyhounds on three campuses. In 2019, Eastern New Mexico earned the LSC Team Academic Excellence Award. ENMU 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. ENMU was lauded America’s 10th cheapest online college by the SR Education Group and New Mexico’s third hardest school on Niche.
Eastern New Mexico University is our list’s 11th most affordable university for high-value political science degree majors with a $6,326 in-state cost. At Jack Williamson Hall, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences confers a cheap B.A./B.S. in Political Science for public sector jobs running government agencies effectively. Advised by Dr. Thomas Brown, the inexpensive, 120-credit, HLC-accredited sequence involves declaring a minor like criminal justice, legal studies, broadcast media, or economics. Students can also join the Mock Trial Team, serve on the Parking Fines Appeals Board, earn the Navin Sinha Memorial Scholarship, campaign for Student Government, intern with Think New Mexico, and 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
Featured in Patrick Swayze’s 1984 World War III film titled Red Dawn, New Mexico Highlands University is a public, Hispanic-serving liberal arts RMAC member that’s endowed for $4.2 million to instruct 3,765 Cowboys and Cowgirls across four schools at three desert campuses. In 2012, New Mexico Highlands received the NAIOP Post Secondary Award of Excellence. NMHU earned a 2010 Sigma Xi Chapter Award for Distinguished Performance. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Highlands among the 127 top West schools. NMHU was chosen America’s 196th best value by Educate to Career, 106th best faculty on Niche, and 19th top public school by the Brookings Institution.
New Mexico Highlands University is the 10th most affordable accredited university for best-value political science degree courses with a $6,150 in-state price tag. At Douglas Hall, the College of Arts & Sciences provides a cheap degree in Political Science (B.A.) for extensive study of American and global government norms. Organized by Dr. Steven Williams, the low-cost, 120-credit, HLC-accredited option has 100 percent acceptance into courses like Political Theory for Pre-Law or Liberal Arts emphases. Individuals could also serve with Amnesty International, pledge Phi Kappa Phi, join the Debate Society, intern at the New Mexico Supreme Court, study abroad in Trujillo, and get elected to Student Senate.
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
Esteemed for its Corps of Cadets called the Boar’s Head Brigade since 1873, the University of North Georgia is the Peach State’s only senior public, coed military college that generates $337.5 million by training 19,041 undergrads across 129 majors on five Blue Ridge campuses. In 2017, North Georgia won the Division II Award of Excellence for its Operation Nighthawks of Honor Initiative. UNG had the 2015 Georgia Political Science Association’s McBrayer Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked North Georgia 13th for regional innovation. UNG was declared America’s 193rd best public university in Forbes and 21st most conservative college on Niche.
The University of North Georgia scored the ninth spot among affordable colleges for best-value political science degrees with in-state pricing of $4,692. At Hansford Hall, the College of Arts & Letters delivers a cheap Political Science (B.S.) that examines formal electoral processes to lead positive policy movements. Headed by Dr. Dlynn Williams, the inexpensive, 123-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum comes with a built-in Military Science Minor plus 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, and 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
Partnered with The Institute of World Politics in September 2018 for a $2,200 Guaranteed Scholarship, the University of North Carolina-Pembroke is a state-funded, coed PBC member founded for Native Americans that’s allocated $51 million to teach 7,136 Hawks across 100 inexpensive majors. In 2019, its Political Science Department had a UNC System Award for Teaching Excellence recipient. UNCP won a 2017 North Carolina Campus Compact Civil Action Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Pembroke 235th for public affairs programs. UNCP was picked America’s 477th most liberal school on Niche, 223rd top public service value by College Factual, and 229th best university in Washington Monthly.
The University of North Carolina-Pembroke climbed to eighth place among affordable colleges for its cheap political science degrees with low $3,418 in-state tuition. At Oxendine Hall, 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. Directed by Dr. Emily Neff-Sharum, the economical, 121-credit, SACS-accredited program offers four options: Public Policy & Administration, Pre-Law, General Political Science, or International Studies. Hawks can also pursue the Online MPA, join Pi Sigma Alpha, compete with Model UN, attend the Forward Cities Conference, travel to Berlin, and earn 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
Known for giving 2020 Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, CUNY Brooklyn College is a public, state-assisted ACE member with $9.1 million in research funding that immerses 14,689 undergrad Bulldogs in its “Core Studies” for 83 low-cost majors. In 2014, its Political Science Department had the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work winner. Brooklyn had the 2014 APSA Minority and Urban Politics Award of Excellence recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Brooklyn College 19th for regional public education. CUNY Brooklyn was classified America’s 144th best buy in Money and 195th best college for social sciences on Niche.
CUNY Brooklyn College is our ranking’s seventh most affordable university for top-value political science degree studies with an in-state average of $7,240. At James Hall, the School of Humanities & Social Sciences presents an inexpensive B.A. in Political Science for students to understand how government power is balanced. Overseen by Dr. Paisley Currah, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited major integrates engaging seminars like Comparative Politics and The Politics of Race. Bulldogs may also contribute to the Shirley Chisholm Project, minor in Global Studies, join Pre-Law Club, intern with the Roosevelt Institute, attend the NYS Health Act Symposium, earn the Hope Reichbach Fund, and 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
Planning its John C. Stennis Center of Public Service’s Fifth Annual N.E.W. Leadership Program in 2019, Mississippi University for Women is a rural, coed AASCU member that’s endowed for $43.8 million to serve 2,577 undergrad Owls on its 114-acre Columbus campus with 23 registered historical landmarks. In 2017, a MUW alumna won the Women Making a Difference in Politics Award. The W received the 2015 Mississippi Cultural Heritage Digitization Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mississippi University for Women 20th for regional public education. MUW was voted America’s 503rd most conservative college on Niche and 452nd top value in Money magazine.
Mississippi University for Women boasts our list’s sixth most affordable political science degree with a $6,940 in-state rate and 14:1 student-faculty ratio. At Painter Hall, the College of Arts, Sciences & Education awards a top-value B.A. in Political Science that prepares undergrads for problem-solving legislative actions. Coordinated by Dr. Chanley Rainey, the inexpensive, 124-credit, SACS-accredited path requires foreign language proficiency plus courses like Political Analysis and Southern Politics. Majors might also intern with Winfield Law Firm, join Democracy Matters, become Peyton Scholars, add the Public Administration Certificate, exchange to Aichi Shukutoku University, and read Noctua.
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
Belonging to the AASCU’s American Democracy Project since 2003, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a public, four-year UA System branch that’s endowed for $73.4 million to teach 6,637 Lions across 74 high-value degree programs on its 66-building Belle Point campus near the Marshals Service National Museum. In 2018, UAFS earned a Chamber of Commerce Healthy Workplace Award. Fort Smith received a 2015 ADHE Regional Workforce Planning Grant. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UA-Fort Smith in the top 85 Southern schools. UAFS was honored for America’s 85th best dining center on Niche, 145th best bachelor’s in Washington Monthly, and 534rd top value by College Factual.
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith broke the top five affordable colleges for cheap political science degree programs with $5,593 in-state attendance costs. At Vines Hall, the College of Communication, Language Arts & Social Sciences provides a low-cost BA in Political Science to gain historical and philosophical perspective on public affairs. Advised by Dr. Keith Fudge, the economical, 120-credit, SACS-accredited major accepts an average 3.23 GPA for courses like Constitutional Law and World Geography. Lions 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, and 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
Serving 26 Tar Heel State counties with the Local Government Training Program since 1984, Western Carolina University is a public, LEED-certified Greater Asheville branch that’s endowed for $70.6 million to manage 600 acres and instruct 10,027 undergrad Catamounts from 48 states. In 2018, the WCU Student Democracy Coalition won a Engagement Scholarship Consortium Award. Western Carolina had a 2014 NCCC Community Impact Student Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Carolina University 58th for bachelor’s degrees. WCU was elected America’s 280th most conservative college on Niche and 165th most selective university by WalletHub.
Western Carolina University finished fourth among the cheapest colleges for political science degree options with an in-state price of $3,926. At Stillwell Hall, the Social Sciences Department offers a low-cost B.A./B.S. in Political Science to research real-world government issues affecting voters. Outlined by Dr. Chris Cooper, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited curriculum reports 95.7 percent job placement success after interactive courses from National Security to World Cultures. Majors may also research in the Public Policy Institute, join the College Democrats, travel to Capitol Hill, intern with the Southwestern Commission, pursue the Fifth-Year MPA, and 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
Highly regarded for its Pre-Law Advising Program with NYS Court of Appeals Judge Carmen Ciparick, CUNY Hunter College is a state-funded, coed APLU member linked to the Roosevelt Family that budgets $159 million to educate 22,918 Hawks who speak 59 native languages across 145 economical degree programs. In 2011, Hunter College had the APSA Michael Harrington Award for Social Change winner. CUNY Hunter had the 2007 Okin-Young Award in Feminist Political Theory recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Hunter 151st for public affairs programs. CUNY Hunter was named America’s 320th top institution by The Wall Street Journal and 26th most liberal college on Niche.
CUNY Hunter College wins bronze as the third most affordable university for political science degree opportunities with a $7,182 in-state rate. At the 68th Street Campus, the School of Arts & Sciences delivers a top-value Political Science Major (B.A.) that examines the political systems adopted in developed and emerging nations worldwide. Chaired by Dr. Carolyn Somerville, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited program started in 2009 involves courses from Urban Politics to The American Judiciary. Students could also earn the Joan Pincus Scholarship, join Pi Sigma Alpha, engage in the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, take the Pew Leadership Year, and 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
Running the Edward T. Rogowsky International Program in Government & Public Affairs, CUNY City College is Manhattan’s oldest public, four-year Urban 13 member founded in 1847 that’s endowed for $264.61 million to serve 13,610 undergrad Beavers from 154 nations within Hamilton Heights. In 2018, CCNY had an American Political Science Association Travel Award recipient. City College had the 2017 Wilson Carey McWilliams Best Political Paper Award finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY City College 55th in the North. CCNY was crowned America’s 84th best value in Forbes, 43rd top institution by Washington Monthly, and 175th best location on Niche.
CUNY City College was runner-up among affordable colleges for political sciences degree programs with a $7,140 in-state price and 14:1 student-faculty ratio. At North Academic Center, the Division of Humanities & Arts has an inexpensive Political Science B.A. available for studying how government institutions should work. Led by Dr. Daniel DiSalvo, the low-cost, 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited plan requires passing the College Proficiency Exam after courses like Political Ideas and Speech Writing. Beavers can also take the Colin Powell Washington DC Semester, minor in Community Change Studies, earn the Belle Zeller Trust Scholarship, intern with the AALDEF, visit Spain, and 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
Notably the alma mater of North Dakota State Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, Dickinson State University is a small, state-assisted NAIA member created in 1918 that’s endowed for $3.5 million to train 1,425 Blue Hawks across 10 departments at a 110-acre campus with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. In 2016, DSU had a Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politics recipient. Dickinson had a 2017 APSA Party Politics Award winner for Region Five. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Dickinson State sixth for Midwest public education. DSU was determined America’s 294th top baccalaureate school in Washington Monthly and 61st best value by College Factual.
Dickinson State University landed on top as the top best affordable university for political science degree majors with a $6,768 in-state bill. At Stickney Hall, the Department of Social Sciences houses a cheap B.A. in Political Science to develop lifelong civic interests for enhancing government functions. Overseen by Dr. Steven Doherty, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited path builds on core courses like Research Methods with the International Relations Option or Pre-Law Professional Option. Blue Hawks might also minor in Geography, join the League of Political Scientists, pledge Pi Sigma Alpha, attend the Humanities Festival, intern with The Legislative Council, and 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 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 to make 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, and 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 salary ROI in meaningful jobs with lots of responsibility. 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 reap 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. Currently, there are even 24 Democratic primary contenders running for one job – President. 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. Select from our list of the best affordable political science degree programs to set yourself ahead and follow your civic passions.
AS Staff
July 2019
This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable political science degrees (bachelor’s) in 2019.
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