Best public colleges for political science?

I'm trying to find good public colleges with strong political science programs. What are the best public universities for studying political science? Hoping to find a balance of great academics and maybe affordable tuition too.

Here are some public universities known for having strong political science programs and also offer a solid value for their tuition:

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's political science department is ranked near the top nationally. While UC tuition for out-of-state students can seem steep, the high potential value of a degree from UC Berkeley makes it a worthwhile consideration.

2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Another UC system school, UCLA, is also highly respected for its political science program. Like UC Berkeley, it offers a balance between academic reputation and value.

3. University of Michigan (UMich): UMich, a public university noted for its comprehensive curriculum and rigorous political science program, provides an excellent value for in-state students and has a solid reputation nationally.

4. University of Virginia (UVA): UVA's tuition rates, particularly for in-state students, make it a high-value choice for those seeking to study political science. The university is known for its strong focus on American government and foreign affairs.

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill): UNC Chapel Hill’s political science program maintains a strong reputation for its emphasis on empirical and theoretical research, and offers a variety of specializations within political science. Plus, for North Carolina residents, tuition is one of the lowest amongst top universities.

6. University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW Madison): UW Madison is a great public university for political science due to its commitment to research and scholarship in the field. Tuition for in-state students is competitive and provides a great value.

Remember, when comparing tuition costs, keep in mind that many universities offer financial aid that can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Always check out the specific financial aid programs at each university, and consider using their net price calculators to estimate costs after aid.