2027 Best Value Political Economy Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

[Political Economy](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/political-economy/) 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 6 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value political economy schools.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Political Economy Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the political economy degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Political Economy Schools
Suny College At Old Westbury earned the #1 spot for value among political economy schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in the suburb of Old Westbury, Suny College At Old Westbury is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,372, with out-of-state students paying around $18,842. Political Economy graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Political Economy graduates of Suny College At Old Westbury earn a median of $34,666 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Suny College At Old Westbury admits about 84% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny At Geneseo earned it the #2 place for political economy. Set in the town of Geneseo, Suny At Geneseo is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,999, compared with $19,569 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for political economy graduates is $19,500. Early-career political economy graduates make about $37,022. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Suny At Geneseo admits about 66% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Temple University earned it the #3 place for political economy. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,815 to complete the political economy program here. Political Economy graduates of Temple University earn a median of $36,011 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,815 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Muhlenberg College one of the best values for political economy. Set in the city of Allentown, Muhlenberg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,805. Typical student debt for political economy graduates is $26,950. Political Economy graduates of Muhlenberg College earn a median of $35,641 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Muhlenberg College admits about 72% of applicants.
Drexel University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in political economy, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for political economy graduates is $28,838. Political Economy graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
Georgetown University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value political economy schools. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the political economy program here. Early-career political economy graduates make about $64,297. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Political Economy Schools by State
More Political Economy Rankings
View All Political Economy Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 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.