2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Maine
[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.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value political science schools.
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Featured Political Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Political Science
Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Maine
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in political science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Political Science Schools
For return on investment in political science, no school beat University Of Southern Maine this year. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, with out-of-state students paying around $29,940. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $19,212. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $28,589. That is a strong return on a $19,212 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bowdoin College earned it the #2 place for political science. Bowdoin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Brunswick. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,832. Students borrow a median of $19,634 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of Bowdoin College earn a median of $60,626 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,634 median debt. The acceptance rate is 7%.
University Of Maine came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $26,798. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $38,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Colby College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of Colby College earn a median of $54,353 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.
Bates College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Lewiston, Bates College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,590 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $11,532. Political Science graduates of Bates College earn a median of $41,055 early in their careers. Set against $11,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
