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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Political Economy Master’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
$16,591 Avg Student Debt
$87,987 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Political Economy Master's Degree Badge [Political Economy](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/political-economy/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong political economy education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 30 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for political economy students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Political Economy Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in political economy, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Political Economy Schools

1

Leading the list is Arizona State University, our #1 best value for political economy in the United States. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for political economy graduates is $19,257. Soon after graduation, political economy degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $47,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

2
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Duke University earned it the #2 place for political economy. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,016 to complete the political economy program here. Soon after graduation, political economy degree recipients from Duke University generally make around $54,970. Set against $14,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

3
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political economy, landing the #3 spot this year. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Typical student debt for political economy graduates is $16,500. Political Economy graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $79,632 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

Other Political Economy Degree Levels

Explore the best-value political economy schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Political Economy
Associate's Degrees in Political Economy
Bachelor's Degrees in Political Economy
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View All Political Economy Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 30 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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