Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

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.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Political Science Programs

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  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Williams College
  3. Amherst College
  4. Wellesley College
  5. Middlebury College
  6. Wesleyan University
  7. Claremont McKenna College
  8. Pomona College
  9. Bowdoin College
  10. United States Military Academy
  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Amherst College
  3. United States Military Academy
  4. Oberlin College
  5. Williams College
  6. Swarthmore College
  7. Smith College
  8. Wellesley College
  9. Vassar College
  10. Barnard College
  1. San Francisco State University 93%
  2. Reed College 44%
  3. Kenyon College 37%
  4. Oberlin College 34%
  5. Macalester College 31%
  6. Smith College 30%
  7. Vassar College 20%
  8. Wesleyan University 19%
  9. Davidson College 18%
  10. Carleton College 18%
  1. San Francisco State University 22 to 1
  2. Macalester College 10 to 1
  3. Bates College 10 to 1
  4. Reed College 9 to 1
  5. Kenyon College 9 to 1
  6. Colgate University 9 to 1
  7. Davidson College 9 to 1
  8. Oberlin College 9 to 1
  9. Barnard College 9 to 1
  10. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  1. Kenyon College $63,310
  2. Vassar College $62,870
  3. Reed College $62,730
  4. Wesleyan University $62,049
  5. Colgate University $61,966
  6. Haverford College $61,210
  7. Amherst College $61,150
  8. Wellesley College $60,752
  9. Macalester College $60,518
  10. Oberlin College $60,240
  1. Claremont McKenna College $64,288
  2. Vassar College $61,940
  3. Colgate University $61,594
  4. Wesleyan University $61,449
  5. Williams College $59,728
  6. Smith College $55,830
  7. Oberlin College $29,692
  8. San Francisco State University $7,176
  1. Bates College
  2. Reed College
  3. Macalester College
  4. San Francisco State University
  5. Vassar College
  6. Haverford College
  7. Kenyon College
  8. Carleton College
  9. United States Air Force Academy
  10. Davidson College
  1. Macalester College
  2. Claremont McKenna College
  3. Davidson College
  4. Kenyon College
  5. Bates College
  6. United States Air Force Academy
  7. Carleton College
  8. Middlebury College
  9. Colgate University
  10. Pomona College
  1. Pomona College 7%
  2. Swarthmore College 8%
  3. United States Naval Academy 8%
  4. Amherst College 9%
  5. Williams College 9%
  6. Bowdoin College 9%
  7. Claremont McKenna College 11%
  8. Barnard College 11%
  9. United States Military Academy 11%
  10. United States Air Force Academy 12%
  1. United States Air Force Academy 6 to 1
  2. Pomona College 6 to 1
  3. Williams College 6 to 1
  4. Amherst College 7 to 1
  5. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  6. Smith College 7 to 1
  7. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  8. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  9. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  10. Carleton College 8 to 1
  1. San Francisco State University $5,742
  2. Davidson College $55,200
  3. Swarthmore College $56,056
  4. Smith College $56,114
  5. Pomona College $56,686
  6. Claremont McKenna College $58,111
  7. Bowdoin College $58,322
  8. Bates College $59,062
  9. Williams College $59,660
  10. Barnard College $59,687
  1. San Francisco State University $7,176
  2. Oberlin College $29,692
  3. Smith College $55,830
  4. Williams College $59,728
  5. Wesleyan University $61,449
  6. Colgate University $61,594
  7. Vassar College $61,940
  8. Claremont McKenna College $64,288

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.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Political Science Bachelor’s Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in political science can open numerous professionals doors. For instance, as a political science major, you’ll learn how local, state, and federal governments intersect, how electoral politics work, and how legislation is created. This knowledge could provide you with the tools to take part in policy development, run for elected office, or engage in social activism.

But a political science major can also be an excellent starting point on the way to a Law School degree or a way to enter into public service in a wide range of fields including healthcare, environmental conservation, city planning, and much more. Today, top influencers in Political Science are breaking new ground in countless critical areas, including the relationship between public opinion and political behavior, U.S. foreign policy, the fight against corruption in state building and much more.

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Political science is an excellent interdisciplinary major, touching on history, philosophy, and sociology, as well as incorporating practical subjects such as public survey, demographic analysis, epidemiology, and more. This means you could parlay your degree in political science into a wide range of rewarding careers. There are countless ways to apply your degree through local, state, and federal governance, including public health, technology, commerce, planning, and much more.

It is noteworthy that many of the top-paying professions connected to the political science discipline will require you to earn a master’s degree. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who continue into an advanced degree program can become historians, who earned a median of $63,680 in 2019, urban planners, who made a median of $74,350, and political scientists, who earned a robust median of $122,220 that year.

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Once you’ve declared your major in political science, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized political science electives, there are several courses that most political science majors will be required to take, including:

  • Introduction to Political Theory
  • U.S. Government and Civics
  • Law, Politics and Justice
  • Modern Political Thought
  • Religion, Politics and Society
  • Race Relations and Politics
  • Democracy and the State
  • World Politics
  • Political Activism and Protest Movements

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Majoring in political science is a great starting point for a number of different career paths. Governance touches on everything in our lives, from economics, education, and environment to security, history and health. Your degree in political science could give you a chance to contribute to the public well-being in any of these areas. Top jobs for political science majors include the following:

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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.

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

  1. #1

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    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

    Swarthmore College Political Science Major Subfields

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

    Source

  2. #2

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    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

    Williams College Political Science Majors

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

    Source

  3. #3

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    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

    Amherst College Political Science Major

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

    Source

  4. #4

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    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

    Wellesley College Political Science Major Subfields

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

    Source

  5. #5

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    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

    Middlebury College Political Science Major Concentrations

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

    Source

  6. #6

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    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

    Wesleyan University Political Science Majors Concentrations

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

    Source

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    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

    Claremont McKenna College Political Science Major

    • Government

    Source

  8. #8

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    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

    Pomona College Political Science Major

    • Politics Major and Minor

    Source

  9. #9

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    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

    Bowdoin College Political Science Major

    • Government and Legal Studies

    Source

  10. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    West Point Political Science Major

    • American Politics

    Source

  11. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/30

    United States Naval Academy Political Science Major

    • BS in Political Science

    Source

  12. #12

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    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

    Barnard College Political Science Major Subfields

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

    Source

  13. #13

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    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

    Smith College Political Science Major

    • Government Major and Minor

    Source

  14. #14

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    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

    Oberlin College Political Science Major

    • Politics

    Source

  15. #15

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    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

    Colgate University Political Science Majors

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

    Source

  16. #16

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/31

    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

    Davidson College Political Science Majors

    • Political Science

    Subfields:

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

    Source

  17. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/31

    United States Air Force Academy Political Science Major Concentrations

    • American Politics
    • International Relations
    • Comparative Politics and Area Studies
    • National Security Policy

    Source

  18. #18

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    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

    Carleton College Political Science Major Tracks

    • Political Science
    • Political Science / International Relations

    Source

  19. #19

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    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

    Kenyon College Political Science Major

    • Political Science

    Source

  20. #20

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    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

    Haverford College Political Science Major Concentrations

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

    Source

  21. #21

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    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

    Vassar College Political Science Major Concentrations

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

    Source

  22. #22

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/19

    Career Outlook for Political Science degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,524
    Expenses: $21,601
    Starting Salary: $37,471
    Salary after 4 years: $57,183
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    San Francisco State University Political Science Major Areas of Specialization

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

    Source

  23. #23

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/31

    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

    Macalester College Political Science Majors

    • Political Science Major and Minor

    Source

  24. #24

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    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

    Reed College Political Science Major Concentrations

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

    Source

  25. #25

    Bates College

    Lewiston , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    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

    Bates College Politics Major Concentrations

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

    Source

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*: $11,103
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,702
  • 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

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

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