2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in West Virginia
[Political Science](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/political-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 11 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 West Virginia
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in political science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Political Science Schools
American Public University System earned the #1 spot for value among political science schools in West Virginia. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Political Science graduates carry a median of $18,304 in student loans. Political Science graduates of American Public University System earn a median of $63,036 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,304 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Marshall University earned it the #2 place for political science. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,342. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $24,233. Early-career political science graduates make about $52,481. Set against $24,233 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Shepherd University one of the best values for political science. Located in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,056, compared with $19,082 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,326 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Shepherd University generally make around $40,748. Set against $23,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at West Virginia University, which ranked #4. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $23,250. Early-career political science graduates make about $30,286. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Charleston one of the best values for political science. University Of Charleston is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Charleston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,617. Political Science graduates carry a median of $22,646 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $64,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.
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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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
