Political Science and Government

Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment

Avg Earnings (4yr)

$38,562

Median Earnings

$55,621

Schools Offering

119

ROI Grade

C+

Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)

25th: $50,697Median: $55,62175th: $59,754

Best Schools for Political Science and Government by Earnings

#	School	ROI	4yr Earnings	Net Price	Major Debt	Grade
1	University of Massachusetts Global CA · Public	52	$75,745	$32,654	$25,725	C
2	University of Miami FL · Private	78	$70,461	$37,244	$16,500	C
3	University of St Thomas MN · Private	81	$70,419	$29,155	$27,000	C
4	Saint Anselm College NH · Private	74	$69,676	$34,779	$27,000	C
5	Gonzaga University WA · Private	81	$68,190	$35,119	$20,994	C
6	Assumption University MA · Private	77	$67,883	$29,498	$27,000	C
7	Emmanuel College MA · Private	64	$67,814	$26,706	$26,348	D
8	University of Maryland-College Park MD · Public	94	$67,258	$15,678	$19,500	B
9	Maryville University of Saint Louis MO · Private	68	$66,612	$22,066	N/A	-
10	University of Nevada-Reno NV · Public	75	$66,273	$15,927	$19,500	C+
11	Le Moyne College NY · Private	70	$65,956	$22,277	$27,000	B
12	Stonehill College MA · Private	80	$64,957	$33,016	$25,000	C
13	Pacific University OR · Private	52	$64,029	$35,273	N/A	-
14	Valparaiso University IN · Private	72	$63,772	$18,578	$27,000	D
15	University of Delaware DE · Public	86	$63,553	$17,799	$23,685	C
16	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater WI · Public	64	$63,365	$14,158	$26,000	C
17	Regis University CO · Private	81	$63,255	$18,397	$39,337	C
18	Central Connecticut State University CT · Public	63	$61,950	$16,857	$23,995	C
19	Lycoming College PA · Private	54	$61,144	$19,140	$27,000	C
20	University at Albany NY · Public	79	$61,102	$17,167	$21,250	C+
21	Niagara University NY · Private	61	$60,995	$17,248	$27,000	D
22	University of Iowa IA · Public	76	$60,947	$22,531	$23,250	C
23	Hamline University MN · Private	66	$60,757	$20,744	$26,500	C
24	The University of Tampa FL · Private	49	$60,742	$36,211	$25,000	D
25	Hofstra University NY · Private	65	$60,697	$34,176	$25,000	D
26	St. John Fisher University NY · Private	71	$60,481	$28,945	$24,750	D
27	Mount St. Mary's University MD · Private	68	$60,428	$22,655	$27,000	C
28	Framingham State University MA · Public	51	$59,857	$16,114	$25,974	C
29	University of Minnesota-Duluth MN · Public	74	$59,754	$18,743	$23,887	C
30	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus NH · Public	74	$59,549	$23,805	$27,000	C
31	University of Southern Maine ME · Public	52	$59,270	$13,596	$23,565	C+
32	Oklahoma Wesleyan University OK · Private	51	$59,143	$28,358	N/A	-
33	Marquette University WI · Private	83	$59,083	$31,487	$25,000	D
34	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN · Public	88	$59,022	$16,778	$20,500	C+
35	Ohio State University-Main Campus OH · Public	77	$58,865	$17,339	$21,922	C
36	Mount St. Joseph University OH · Private	44	$58,825	$16,530	N/A	-
37	Drexel University PA · Private	82	$58,751	$38,509	$27,000	C
38	Albright College PA · Private	56	$58,540	$20,024	N/A	-
39	Lebanon Valley College PA · Private	61	$58,447	$26,979	N/A	-
40	Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania PA · Public	51	$58,115	$19,608	$25,990	D
41	Loyola University New Orleans LA · Private	42	$58,058	$23,696	$27,000	D
42	University of Florida FL · Public	92	$57,953	$6,541	$19,500	C
43	University of Florida-Online FL · Public	91	$57,953	$4,815	$19,500	C
44	University of California-Irvine CA · Public	94	$57,935	$14,251	$15,865	C+
45	University of Denver CO · Private	71	$57,858	$36,131	$22,000	C+
46	University of Wisconsin-Stout WI · Public	67	$57,529	$17,490	$27,000	C
47	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice NY · Public	78	$57,396	$3,203	$11,000	B+
48	William Peace University NC · Private	27	$57,305	$21,649	$26,000	C
49	National Louis University IL · Private	40	$56,989	$12,641	$23,437	D
50	Upper Iowa University IA · Private	39	$56,767	$20,942	$43,447	F

Below Average Value

Is Political Science and Government Worth It?

Proceed With a Plan

The financial returns for Political Science and Government are below average. At $38,562 in average earnings four years out, graduates often face a long payback period, especially at higher-cost institutions. This doesn't mean the field is worthless - it means the financial math demands careful attention to school cost and debt levels.

119 schools offer this major, giving you reasonable options. Compare net prices and graduate earnings at your specific target schools - the range between the best and worst ROI within this field is substantial.

The top school for this major by earnings is Maryville University of Saint Louis, where graduates earn $66,612 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.

Best ROI Schools for Political Science and Government All Majors ROI Calculator Compare Schools

Related Majors

Economics History Criminal Justice

Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.