Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. Jed Macosko and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

The best political science liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best political science degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding political science faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges for political science degrees offer various concentrations such as comparative politics, public law, international politics, and more.
  • A bachelor’s degree in political science is an excellent starting point for a career in law, social activism, public service, and a host of other important fields.
  • Many of the best liberal arts colleges for political science degrees aid students in facilitating internships and other real-world experiences so that students enter the workforce prepared.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Political Science Programs in 2025

  1. Wesleyan University
    +5
  2. Amherst College
    +1
  3. Swarthmore College
    –2
  4. United States Military Academy
    +6
  5. Williams College
    –3
  6. Smith College
    +7
  7. Oberlin College
    +7
  8. Wellesley College
    –4
  9. Barnard College
    +3
  10. United States Naval Academy
    +1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten liberal arts colleges for political science degrees saw a large amount of shuffling. Wesleyan University was able to rise to the top position as the university expanded its global studies and international relations offerings, adding new courses focused on climate policy, global governance, and political technology. Wesleyan has also strengthened partnerships with think tanks and policy organizations, providing political science students with increased opportunities for internships, research, and real-world engagement in political advocacy and public policy. Additionally, the university has launched a new lecture series featuring policymakers and political analysts, offering students direct insights into contemporary political issues and global affairs.

Featured Programs

Ranking: Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $44,902
    Salary after 4 years: $66,865
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan University Political Science Majors Concentrations

    • Government – American Politics
    • Government – Comparative Politics
    • Government – International Politics
    • Government – (Normative) Political Theory

    Source

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  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $58,996
    Salary after 4 years: $87,853
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst College Political Science Major

    • Political Science – Political Theory
    • Political Science – Domestic Politics and State–Society Relations
    • Political Science – International Politics and Practices

    Source

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  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $49,576
    Salary after 4 years: $73,826
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore College Political Science Major Subfields

    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Relations
    • Political Theory

    Source

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  4. #4

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    What is United States Military Academy known for?

    United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    West Point Political Science Major

    • American Politics

    Source

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  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $63,599
    Salary after 4 years: $94,708
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Williams College Political Science Majors

    • Political Science – American Politics
    • Political Science – International Relations
    • Political Science – Political Theory
    • Political Science – Comparative Politics

    Source

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  7. #6

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $36,191
    Salary after 4 years: $53,893
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

    Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Smith College Political Science Major

    • Government Major and Minor

    Source

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $32,224
    Salary after 4 years: $47,987
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College Political Science Major

    • Politics

    Source

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $50,851
    Salary after 4 years: $75,724
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wellesley College Political Science Major Subfields

    • American Politics and Law
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Relations
    • Political Theory

    Source

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $49,364
    Salary after 4 years: $73,510
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barnard College Political Science Major Subfields

    • Political Theory
    • American Government and Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Relations

    Source

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $43,556
    Salary after 4 years: $64,861
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vassar College Political Science Major Concentrations

    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Politics
    • Political Theory

    Source

    Compare school
  14. #12

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,524
    Expenses: $21,601
    Starting Salary: $37,349
    Salary after 4 years: $56,996
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is San Francisco State University known for?

    San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    San Francisco State University Political Science Major Areas of Specialization

    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • Political Theory
    • Public Law

    Source

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $37,324
    Salary after 4 years: $55,580
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Reed College Political Science Major Concentrations

    • Introduction to Comparative Politics
    • International Relations
    • American Politics and Public Policy”

    Source

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  16. #14

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $53,188
    Salary after 4 years: $79,205
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Haverford College Political Science Major Concentrations

    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Relations
    • Globalization and Global Governance
    • Political Theory

    Source

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  18. #15

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $54,746
    Salary after 4 years: $81,525
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pomona College Political Science Major

    • Politics Major and Minor

    Source

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $58,996
    Salary after 4 years: $87,853
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bowdoin College Political Science Major

    • Government and Legal Studies

    Source

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $50,922
    Salary after 4 years: $75,830
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middlebury College known for?

    Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middlebury College Political Science Major Concentrations

    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • Political Theory
    • International Relations
    • Foreign Policy

    Source

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  21. #18

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $57,437
    Salary after 4 years: $85,533
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

    Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colgate University Political Science Majors

    • Political Science
    • Double major: Political Science and International Relations

    Source

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $48,089
    Salary after 4 years: $71,611
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carleton College known for?

    Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carleton College Political Science Major Tracks

    • Political Science
    • Political Science / International Relations

    Source

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  25. #21

    Bates College

    Lewiston , ME
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Bates College

    Cost of Degree: $61,066
    Expenses: $19,374
    Starting Salary: $52,621
    Salary after 4 years: $78,361
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bates College known for?

    Bates College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bates College Politics Major Concentrations

    • Institutional Politics
    • Identities and Interests
    • Political Economy
    • Philosophical Literary and Legal Studies
    • Security Cooperation and Conflict

    Source

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  26. #22

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $66,490
    Expenses: $17,310
    Starting Salary: $38,599
    Salary after 4 years: $57,479
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kenyon College known for?

    Kenyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kenyon College Political Science Major

    • Political Science

    Source

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $57,090
    Expenses: $18,525
    Starting Salary: $50,355
    Salary after 4 years: $74,986
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Davidson College Political Science Majors

    • Political Science

    Subfields:

    • Political Theory
    • American Politics
    • Comparative Politics
    • International Politics
    • Methodology

    Source

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  28. #24

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $66,007
    Salary after 4 years: $98,294
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Claremont McKenna College Political Science Major

    • Government

    Source

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges Minnesota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Macalester College

    Cost of Degree: $62,500
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $39,519
    Salary after 4 years: $58,850
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Macalester College known for?

    Macalester College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Macalester College Political Science Majors

    • Political Science Major and Minor

    Source

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Political Science Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Political Science And Government

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,168
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,746
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,064
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $50,458
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
  • Job Growth: 2.33%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,360,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Economists6.25%$108,366
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary4.05%$104,688
Political Scientists6.45%$101,061
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary3.63%$86,281

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$53,941$87,633$135,268

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Virginia5% higher than average$104,315
#3 Delaware2% higher than average$107,229
#4 Texas10% higher than average$93,675
#5 New York5% higher than average$108,364
#6 Alabama13% higher than average$86,868

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Economists$108,366
Managers, All Other$106,040
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$104,688
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

A bachelor’s degree in political science is an excellent starting point for a career in law, social activism, public service, and a host of other important fields. As a political science major, you’ll study subjects such as civics, theories of governance, and race relations. Your political science degree will also incorporate foundational courses in both American and world politics as well as relevant courses in the history, philosophy, and sociology disciplines. The best schools for political science are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of political science concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Related: How to Major in Political Science

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in political science.

A political science degree from one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges can open up a number of career opportunities. Find out what else you can do with a liberal arts degree.

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science programs

The Best Political Science Schools in Your State

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