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Featured Political Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Political Science
Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Washington
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the political science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Political Science Schools
University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #1 spot for value among political science schools in Washington. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Political Science graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $41,246. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.
Eastern Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Political Science graduates carry a median of $21,412 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $33,173. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Washington State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $23,250. Early-career political science graduates make about $41,130. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Central Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $16,936 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $39,220. Set against $16,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Political Science graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $27,217. That is a strong return on a $19,431 median debt. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.
Pacific Lutheran University earned the #6 position for value in political science this year. Set in the suburb of Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,916. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $20,250. Political Science graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $41,518 early in their careers. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pacific Lutheran University admits about 78% of applicants.
Seattle Pacific University landed the #7 spot for political science value this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Students borrow a median of $26,775 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $32,288. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Whitworth University earned the #8 position for value in political science this year. Set in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Students borrow a median of $22,624 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $43,933. That is a strong return on a $22,624 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Seattle University landed the #9 spot for political science value this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Students borrow a median of $20,449 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Seattle University generally make around $41,474. Set against $20,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Whitman College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the city of Walla Walla, Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $16,750. Political Science graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $27,689 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Gonzaga University earned the #11 position for value in political science this year. Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Spokane. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Students borrow a median of $23,124 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Gonzaga University generally make around $26,915. That is a strong return on a $23,124 median debt. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants.
University Of Puget Sound ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,898. Students borrow a median of $22,801 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of University Of Puget Sound earn a median of $31,290 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[Political Science](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/political-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong political science education at a price that pays off.
