2026 Best Value Political Science & Government Schools in District of Columbia

1

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

For return on investment in political science & government, no school beat University Of The District Of Columbia this year. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $36,562. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $49,935. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Catholic University Of America
Washington, DC

A rank of #2 makes Catholic University Of America one of the best values for political science & government. Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Catholic University Of America generally make around $44,617. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants.

3

George Washington University
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at George Washington University earned it the #3 place for political science & government. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $23,000. Political Science & Government graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $62,004 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants.

4

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political science & government, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the political science & government program here. Political Science & Government graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $64,297 early in their careers. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

5

American University
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American University earned it the #5 place for political science & government. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Typical student debt for political science & government graduates is $23,250. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $53,411. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

6

Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value political science & government schools. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $35,810 in tuition and fees. Political Science & Government graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career political science & government graduates make about $31,897. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.