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Featured Political Science & Government 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.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the political science & government degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Political Science & Government Schools
For return on investment in political science & government, no school beat University Of Illinois At Springfield this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Students borrow a median of $25,848 to complete the political science & government program here. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $52,565. That is a strong return on a $25,848 median debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the best values for political science & government. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $21,761. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $38,363. Set against $21,761 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Illinois University earned it the #3 place for political science & government. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $32,359. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value political science & government schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $20,025. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $35,172. That is a strong return on a $20,025 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science & government, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $32,225. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Augustana College Illinois came in at #6 for value in political science & government this year. Augustana College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rock Island. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,598. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the political science & government program here. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Augustana College Illinois generally make around $35,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augustana College Illinois admits about 63% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #7 for value in political science & government this year. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Political Science & Government graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $31,786 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Eastern Illinois University landed the #8 spot for political science & government value this year. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $24,739. Political Science & Government graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $28,721 early in their careers. Set against $24,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned the #9 position for value in political science & government this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $26,171. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $26,635. Set against $26,171 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Chicago came in at #10 for value in political science & government this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $18,500. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $56,022. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
[Political Science & Government](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
