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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Maryland

13 Colleges in the United States
$22,664 Avg Student Debt
$68,602 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Political Science Badge [Political Science](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/political-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 19 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for political science students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Maryland

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

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Maryland University College the best value for a degree in political science in Maryland. University Of Maryland University College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Adelphi. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $17,600. Political Science graduates of University Of Maryland University College earn a median of $62,476 early in their careers. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Maryland College Park one of the best values for political science. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,768 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of University Of Maryland College Park earn a median of $42,688 early in their careers. Set against $18,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

3

Morgan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Baltimore, Morgan State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $37,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the best values for political science. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $83,555. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

5
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at Salisbury University, which ranked #5. Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salisbury. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Political Science graduates carry a median of $23,160 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Salisbury University generally make around $33,397. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

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Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University earned the #6 position for value in political science this year. Towson University is a very large public school located in the city of Towson. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $20,875 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $42,648. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #7 for value in political science this year. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Political Science graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Maryland Baltimore County generally make around $33,549. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

8
St Marys College Of Maryland crest
St Marys College Of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD

St Marys College Of Maryland placed #8 among the best values for political science. Set in the rural area of St. Mary's City, St Marys College Of Maryland is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,298 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,374 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $41,665. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

9

Mount St Marys University earned the #9 position for value in political science this year. Mount St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Emmitsburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,630. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $27,000. Political Science graduates of Mount St Marys University earn a median of $29,800 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount St Marys University admits about 74% of applicants.

10
Washington College crest
Washington College
Chestertown, MD

Washington College earned the #10 position for value in political science this year. Located in the town of Chestertown, Washington College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,081. Students borrow a median of $24,721 to complete the political science program here. Early-career political science graduates make about $36,741. That is a strong return on a $24,721 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

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Loyola University Baltimore placed #11 among the best values for political science. Set in the city of Baltimore, Loyola University Baltimore is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,150. Political Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $44,572. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 19 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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