2026 Best Value Political Science Schools in Minnesota

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Leading the list is University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, our #1 best value for political science in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Political Science graduates carry a median of $20,465 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $40,208. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Duluth earned it the #2 place for political science. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Political Science graduates carry a median of $20,089 in student loans. Early-career political science graduates make about $38,942. That is a strong return on a $20,089 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

3

Winona State University
Winona, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Winona State University earned it the #3 place for political science. Located in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete the political science program here. Political Science graduates of Winona State University earn a median of $35,631 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for political science. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,460 to complete the political science program here. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $53,088. That is a strong return on a $25,460 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

5

Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN

Students looking for strong value in political science will find it at Hamline University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Hamline University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from Hamline University generally make around $35,354. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

St Olaf College
Northfield, MN

St Olaf College landed the #6 spot for political science value this year. St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $24,250. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients from St Olaf College generally make around $30,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

7

Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN

Gustavus Adolphus College earned the #7 position for value in political science this year. Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Saint Peter. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $27,000. Early-career political science graduates make about $38,463. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

8

Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MN

Saint Johns University came in at #8 for value in political science this year. Set in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,816. Political Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Political Science graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $20,939 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Johns University admits about 91% of applicants.

9

Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College came in at #9 for value in political science this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Political Science graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Political Science graduates of Macalester College earn a median of $39,439 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Macalester College admits about 28% of applicants.

10

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value political science schools. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Typical student debt for political science graduates is $22,750. Political Science graduates of University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn a median of $34,775 early in their careers. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.