2027 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in Missouri

[Political Science & Government](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong political science & government education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for political science & government students.
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2027 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in Missouri
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the political science & government degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Political Science & Government Schools
Our analysis ranked Truman State University the best value for a degree in political science & government in Missouri. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $26,649 to complete the political science & government program here. Political Science & Government graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $39,813 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,649 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Missouri Kansas City one of the best values for political science & government. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $13,102 in student loans. Political Science & Government graduates of University Of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of $60,324 early in their careers. Set against $13,102 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.
Harris Stowe State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value political science & government schools. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Harris Stowe State University is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,008, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Students borrow a median of $32,394 to complete the political science & government program here. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Harris Stowe State University generally make around $31,173. Set against $32,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Missouri St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science & government, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the political science & government program here. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $36,050. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value political science & government schools. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $43,255. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants.
Missouri State University Springfield earned the #6 position for value in political science & government this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the political science & government program here. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $37,944. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value political science & government schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $22,517 to complete the political science & government program here. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $37,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Lindenwood University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value political science & government schools. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $24,022 in student loans. Political Science & Government graduates of Lindenwood University earn a median of $48,197 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants.
Washington University In St Louis ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value political science & government schools. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $18,500. Political Science & Government graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $68,303 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
Saint Louis University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in political science & government this year. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $25,000. Political Science & Government graduates of Saint Louis University Main Campus earn a median of $30,502 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 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.