Lowest In-State Tuition for a Bachelor’s
$8,090 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents (2024–25), the lowest among the 10 bachelor’s programs shown here.
Arkansas · Political Science Rankings · 2027 
Best Political Science Programs in Arkansas for 2027
Compare 10 political science programs in Arkansas, grouped by degree level. University of Arkansas leads the bachelor’s list. Each section starts with its highest-scoring eligible programs, so you can focus on the degree you plan to earn.
By Taylor Rupe, Editor
Political Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Arkansas
10 schools in Arkansas awarded political science bachelor’s degrees in 2023–24, scored against 991 bachelor’s programs nationwide. This section shows the top 10 of 14 eligible programs at this level.
- 1
University of Arkansas
Political Science Major
72.0 Comparison ScoreArkansas keeps the political science major simple on paper: 30 hours of PLSC coursework, and 21 of them must be at the 3000 level or above. What shapes the last year is the Senior Writing Requirement, which asks every Fulbright College student to hand in an acceptable research or analytic paper before Dead Day. That paper can come from an honors essay, a senior thesis or another advanced PLSC course, and the department urges you to see your faculty adviser early in the first semester of senior year. With 101 degrees awarded in 2023–24, it is among the larger programs on the Arkansas page.
- Major Hours
- 30 hours of PLSC coursework, 21 of them at the 3000 level or above
- Senior Writing Requirement
- A research or analytic paper from an honors essay, senior thesis or advanced PLSC course
- Minor Option
- 18 hours of PLSC coursework including PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013
Program Sources: Undergraduate Studies | Political Science | University of ArkansasUndergraduate Studies | Political Science | University of Arkansas
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 101 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 71% 4,970 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $60,441 Political Science bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $10,104 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $29,966 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 2
Arkansas State University
Political Science, BA
53.4 Comparison ScoreArkansas State’s political science BA starts in the first year with Making Connections in Politics and Law, then moves through Introduction to United States Government and Introduction to Political Analysis. The bulk of the 42-hour major is 36 hours of upper-level electives, and you must take at least one upper-level course in each of six areas: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration and public law. The catalog expects you to concentrate in one of them. Majors also take Introduction to Philosophy within their arts and humanities hours. The program awarded 20 degrees in 2023–24.
- Six Areas
- At least one upper-level course each in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration and public law
- Major Core
- Introduction to United States Government and Introduction to Political Analysis, plus 36 hours of upper-level electives
- First-Year Course
- Making Connections in Politics and Law
Program Sources: Political Science, BAPolitical Science, BA
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 20 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 53% 1,486 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $49,078 Political Science bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $8,090 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $14,522 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 3
University of Central Arkansas
BA in Political Science (Revised)
50.8 Comparison ScoreCentral Arkansas asks for 36 credit hours in the political science BA: a 15-hour lower-division core and 21 hours of upper-division electives. The core covers Introduction to International Relations, Introduction to Public Service and Public Policy, Statistical Methods for Political Analysis, Introduction to Political Theory and Introduction to Comparative Politics, so you meet statistics before you pick a lane. The electives must come from at least four of six subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration and public policy. Options include Constitutional Law, Cybersecurity Law and Policy, Political Ethics and an internship. You also complete a minor or a second major. UCA awarded 18 degrees in 2023–24.
- Core Courses
- International Relations, Public Service and Public Policy, Statistical Methods, Political Theory and Comparative Politics
- Subfield Rule
- 21 upper-division hours from at least four of six subfields
- Minor Requirement
- A minor or second major accompanies the 36-hour major
Program Sources: BA in Political Science (Revised)BA in Political Science (Revised)
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 18 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 53% 2,023 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $51,475 Political Science bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $10,523 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $18,023 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 4
Hendrix College
Bachelor of Arts in Politics
50.7 Comparison ScoreHendrix calls its major Politics, and it follows a four-year arc. Every major starts with foundations in American government, political theory and international relations. Year three is a required full-time co-op, one semester of credit spent in a professional setting such as state and local government agencies, political campaigns and consulting firms, public policy think tanks or nonprofit advocacy groups. Year four turns to original research on an issue you choose. Throughout, an advising team of faculty, career counselors and mentors checks that your courses line up with your goals. Alumni titles on the page include policy analyst, attorney, communications manager and chief of staff. Hendrix awarded 14 degrees in 2023–24.
- Required Co-op
- A full-time co-op for one semester in year three, earning credit
- Foundation Courses
- American government, political theory and international relations
- Senior Year
- Original research on an issue you choose
Program Sources: Bachelor of Arts in Politics | Hendrix CollegeBachelor of Arts in Politics | Hendrix College
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 14 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 72% 293 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $38,200 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $38,200 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 5
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Political Science, B.A.
49.8 Comparison ScoreLittle Rock’s political science BA is a 33-hour major that starts with American National Government and Introduction to International Politics, then asks for six hours each in American politics and international politics. A normative and empirical analysis requirement lets you choose among Methods of Political Inquiry and three political thought courses, and four upper-level electives finish the major. Everyone also completes a field experience: an internship, a service-learning course, a travel course or study abroad, or at least 15 weeks in a paid or volunteer political position. The program awarded 21 degrees in 2023–24.
- Field Experience
- Internship, service learning, travel or study abroad, or 15 weeks in a political position
- Normative and Empirical Analysis
- Three hours from Methods of Political Inquiry or a political thought course
- Upper-Level Electives
- Four political science courses
Program Sources: Political Science, B.A.Political Science, B.A.
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 21 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 37% 549 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $9,911 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $22,721 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 6
Harding University
Political Science
48.8 Comparison ScoreHarding’s political science major runs through Arkansas and state and local government, Western and American political thought, and a statistics course, then ends with a two-part research finish: a Senior Research and Design Proposal and Policy Analysis and Advanced Research. You fill out the rest with 12 hours of upper-level electives in areas such as the presidency, Congress, parties and elections, international law and diplomacy, and conflict studies. Outside class, the department runs Model United Nations and a summer American Experience Tour that has visited the U.S. Capitol and Gettysburg, and students can join Pi Sigma Alpha. The plan pairs the major with an 18-hour minor.
- Senior Research Sequence
- Senior Research and Design Proposal, then Policy Analysis and Advanced Research
- Political Thought
- Western Political Thought and American Political Thought
- Student Activities
- Model United Nations, the American Experience Tour and Pi Sigma Alpha
Program Sources: Political Science program | History and Political Science | HardingCurriculum Plan, BA: Political Science (Harding University)
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 10 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 69% 862 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $25,962 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $25,962 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 7
Arkansas Tech University
Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
47.0 Comparison ScoreArkansas Tech’s political science BA puts theory and research early, with American Government, Survey of Western Political Thought, World Politics and Research Design in the first two years. A Senior Seminar closes the major, and you pick 21 more political science credits, 18 of them upper level, guided by six suggested career tracks: law school, public policy and administration, international relations, strategic studies, campaigns and elections, or graduate school. The degree also pulls in sociology, geography, psychology and economics, and the catalog calls it a recommended option for pre-law students. It awarded 12 degrees in 2023–24.
- Career Tracks
- Six suggested paths from law school to strategic studies and political science graduate school
- Methods and Capstone
- Research Design (POLS 2513) and Senior Seminar (POLS 4963)
- Interdisciplinary Coursework
- Sociology, geography, psychology and economics through electives
Program Sources: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts | Arkansas Tech University Academic Catalog
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 12 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 44% 1,365 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $8,674 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $14,668 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 8
John Brown University
Political Science, B.S.
37.9 Comparison ScoreJohn Brown’s political science degree is a BS that lists connecting faith to the discipline among its learning outcomes. The 24 specified hours cover American government, comparative politics, political philosophy, Religion and Politics, international relations, Research Methods and Design, a Research Seminar and a statistics course. You add one institutions course, either Law, Courts, and Politics or Congress and the American Presidency, one constitutional law course, and 12 hours of electives such as Model United Nations and Politics and Race in America. The program awarded 4 degrees in 2023–24.
- Faith Integration
- Listed as a student learning outcome for the major
- Research Courses
- Research Methods and Design, a Research Seminar and Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Electives
- Twelve hours, including Model United Nations
Program Sources: Political Science, B.S.Political Science, B.S.
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 4 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 72% 319 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $31,756 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $31,756 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 9
University of Arkansas at Monticello
History/Political Science, B.A.
36.1 Comparison ScoreAt Monticello you earn a combined History/Political Science BA and choose the political science emphasis. A 15-hour shared core includes American National Government, Western Political Theory and Social Science Research Methods, plus American History II and 3 hours of non-U.S. history. The emphasis adds 24 hours: Comparative Politics, Statistics for the Social Sciences and 18 hours of political science courses, at least 15 of them upper level. You also take 6 hours of one foreign language and General Geography I, and you pair the emphasis with a minor or a second major. A dual emphasis splits the electives between history and political science. The program awarded 7 degrees in 2023–24.
- Shared Core
- Fifteen hours including Western Political Theory and Social Science Research Methods
- Political Science Emphasis
- Comparative Politics, statistics and 18 hours of political science courses
- Minor or Second Major
- Required with the political science emphasis
Program Sources: History/Political Science, B.A.History/Political Science, B.A.
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 7 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 38% 311 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $9,292 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $14,857 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 10
Southern Arkansas University
Political Science
33.1 Comparison ScoreSouthern Arkansas builds its 36-hour political science major on American Government, State and Local Government and Research Methods, then asks you to choose between Western Thought and Eastern Thought. Upper-level electives must include one course from an international list, such as Comparative Politics or International Law, and one from an American politics and law list, such as Legislative Processes or American Constitutional Law. You also take geography electives and six hours of foreign language, and you finish with a senior research paper or an upper-level writing course. A 4+1 option lets you add a Master in Public Administration in five years.
- Core Courses
- American Government, State and Local Government and Research Methods
- Senior Requirement
- Senior Paper Research or an upper-level writing course
- Accelerated Option
- 4+1 BA and Master in Public Administration in five years
Program Sources: Political Science | Academics | Southern Arkansas University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 1 Political Science, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 44% 884 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $9,960 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $15,690 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
Political Science Programs in Arkansas at a Glance
- Ranked Schools
- 10 7 public, 3 private
- Bachelor’s Programs
- 10 208 degrees in 2023–24
- Lowest In-State Tuition
- $8,090 Bachelor’s list, schoolwide, 2024–25
How We Rank Political Science Programs in Arkansas
Each program gets the same comparison score it earns in our national political science model, calculated against the nationwide group that meets the numeric and directory criteria. We then order Arkansas’s eligible programs by that score within each degree level. This page features up to 10 programs, taking the next highest-ranked program from each degree-level list in turn. Scores are compared only within the same degree level. Bachelor’s lists weigh graduation rate (20%), published tuition (20%), graduate earnings (20%), program reputation (25%), and degrees awarded (15%). Methodology and data sources.
Best Political Science Schools in Arkansas by Goal
These picks compare only the programs featured in the lists above.
Most Political Science Bachelor’s Graduates
101 political science bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2023–24, the most of any school on this list.
Highest Schoolwide Graduation Rate
72% of first-time, full-time students at the school finished a bachelor’s within six years. This is a schoolwide rate, not a political science-only rate.
Top-Scoring Private College
The highest-scoring private school on the bachelor’s list (No. 4 overall), with a comparison score of 50.7.
Statewide Context: Arkansas Political Science Graduates Concentrate in Fayetteville
This statewide overview includes all 14 eligible programs at 14 schools. Its totals, tuition comparisons, and ranks describe that wider group; the lists above feature 10 programs.
The University of Arkansas ranks first among 15 political science programs in the state and awarded 101 bachelor’s degrees in 2023–24, more than any other school on the list. Seven of the 15 are private, and Hendrix College in Conway ranks highest among them, at fourth. The ranked schools are spread from Fayetteville and Siloam Springs to Monticello and Magnolia.
Fayetteville’s 101 graduates made up more than two of every five of the 220 political science bachelor’s degrees awarded by ranked Arkansas schools in 2023–24. The next largest programs, at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (21), Arkansas State (20), and the University of Central Arkansas (18), were about a fifth that size, and every other school awarded 14 or fewer. Price follows a different order. Arkansas State University lists the lowest schoolwide resident tuition and fees among the schools shown, $8,090 for 2024–25, and ranks second.
Among the schools shown, private colleges cost more and report higher schoolwide graduation rates. The three private schools shown (Hendrix College, Harding University, and John Brown University) report rates of 69% to 72% and 2024–25 tuition and fees of $25,962 to $38,200. Among public universities, only the University of Arkansas, at 71%, is in that range; the others shown report 37% to 53%.
Political Science Careers and Pay in Arkansas
These are BLS median annual wages for Arkansas and the United States from the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. A median is the midpoint among workers in the occupation, from new hires to senior staff, so it is not a starting salary for a new graduate. The 10th–90th percentile range shows what the middle 80% of workers earn in the state.
| Occupation | Arkansas Median | Arkansas 10th–90th Percentile | U.S. Median | Arkansas Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Planners | $63,530 | $42,990–$95,960 | $89,320 | 80 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Wage data does not enter the program scores.
Political Science Programs in Arkansas: Common Questions
How Many Schools in Arkansas Appear in These Political Science Rankings?
10 schools in Arkansas appear in the lists shown here (10 bachelor’s programs). A school can appear at more than one degree level. The page features 10 programs selected from 14 eligible programs at 14 schools. The degree counts come from federal IPEDS completions for 2023–24.
Which Political Science Bachelor’s Program in Arkansas Has the Lowest Tuition?
Arkansas State University lists $8,090 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents in 2024–25, the lowest among the bachelor’s programs shown here. That is a schoolwide figure before aid, so check the program’s own costs and any fees for fieldwork or labs.
What Do Urban and Regional Planners Earn in Arkansas?
This statewide comparison covers all 14 eligible programs, including those outside the featured lists. The wage table on this page uses urban and regional planners. In May 2025, their Arkansas median was $63,530, compared with $89,320 nationally, and 80 people held the job in the state. A median covers everyone in the occupation at every career stage, so it is not a starting salary for a new political science graduate.
Which Ranked Political Science Bachelor’s Program Has the Lowest Resident Tuition in Arkansas?
This statewide comparison covers all 14 eligible programs, including those outside the featured lists. Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has the lowest resident tuition and required fees among the ranked political science bachelor’s programs shown here: $8,090 for 2024–25. The nonresident figure is $14,522. Those are schoolwide undergraduate charges. Compare your aid offer and housing costs before deciding which school fits your budget.
Sources for This Page
- IPEDS C2024_A completions: first-major degrees awarded by field and level, 2023–24.
- IPEDS COST1_2024: tuition and required fees, 2024–25.
- IPEDS DRVGR2024: schoolwide graduation rates.
- Carnegie 2025 Research Activity Designations.
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates.
- SocialSciences.org ranking methodology.