2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Indiana

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

For return on investment in political science, no school beat Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $36,535 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

2

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $20,000. Political Science graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $39,708 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.

3

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

University Of Southern Indiana came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. Political Science graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $47,216. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants.

4

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

A rank of #4 makes Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne one of the best values for political science. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $24,119. Early-career political science graduates make about $49,424. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

5

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

A rank of #5 makes Indiana University Bloomington one of the best values for political science. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Political Science graduates carry a median of $17,951 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $32,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

6

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $25,987 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $33,352 early in their careers. Set against $25,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

7

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University earned the #7 position for value in political science this year. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $25,410 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $39,755. That is a strong return on a $25,410 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

8

Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University came in at #8 for value in political science this year. Located in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,490. Political Science graduates carry a median of $21,832 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $45,090. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame came in at #9 for value in political science this year. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Political Science graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $55,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

10

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University earned the #10 position for value in political science this year. Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,560. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $25,351. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Butler University generally make around $68,222. That is a strong return on a $25,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.