2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Wisconsin

1

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

Our analysis ranked University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point the best value for a degree in political science in Wisconsin. Set in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,313 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earn a median of $41,455 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,313 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned it the #2 place for political science. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,015 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $42,366 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,015 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants.

3

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $35,281 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #4. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $22,000. Political Science graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $42,063 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

5

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $25,791. Early-career political science graduates make about $40,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Political Science graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $40,487. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #7 for value in political science this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public school located in the city of Eau Claire. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Political Science graduates carry a median of $23,968 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire generally make around $26,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants.

8

Ripon College
Ripon, WI

Ripon College placed #8 among the best values for political science. Located in the town of Ripon, Ripon College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,900. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $26,973. Political Science graduates of Ripon College earn a median of $35,385 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,973 median debt. Ripon College admits about 80% of applicants.

9

Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Carthage College came in at #9 for value in political science this year. Located in the city of Kenosha, Carthage College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,750. Political Science graduates carry a median of $19,190 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $24,259. Set against $19,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carthage College admits about 87% of applicants.

10

Saint Norbert College
De Pere, WI

Saint Norbert College landed the #10 spot for political science value this year. Located in the suburb of De Pere, Saint Norbert College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,580 in tuition and fees. Political Science graduates carry a median of $26,578 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Saint Norbert College generally make around $48,421. That is a strong return on a $26,578 median debt. Saint Norbert College admits about 86% of applicants.

11

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University landed the #11 spot for political science value this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Political Science graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Political Science graduates of Marquette University earn a median of $38,225 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.