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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 Iowa
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
Grinnell College earned the #1 spot for value among political science schools in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,196. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $17,500. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $36,662. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Political Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $37,875. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at Iowa State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Political Science graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $30,715. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at University Of Iowa, which ranked #4. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $24,250. Political Science graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $39,133 early in their careers. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Simpson College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Set in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,656. Political Science graduates carry a median of $26,816 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $48,888. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Drake University earned the #6 position for value in political science this year. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $21,138. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
[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.
