Illinois · Political Science and Government

Best Political Science and Government institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

The Political Science and Government program offers students an in-depth understanding of political systems, behavior, and institutions. This program is designed for individuals interested in exploring the complexities of governance,…

Institutions
39
offering CIP 45.10
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
1,240
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$37,007
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
20
College Scorecard
Median net price
$18,494
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
59%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Political Scientists
$100,690
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$56,0229696%$13,333$18,500
2Northwestern University
Evanston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$54,7379095%$14,799$16,834
3Wheaton College
Wheaton Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$45,0692185%$23,461$23,250
4University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,3638162%$21,761
5DePaul University
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$37,5319268%$28,141$24,499
6Loyola University Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$37,00714073%$33,454$23,250
7Roosevelt University
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$36,5211135%$21,085$24,625
8Augustana College
Rock Island Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$35,6262073%$14,960$27,000
9University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,17224385%$20,025
10Illinois State University
Normal Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,5198265%$22,201

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-3.1%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$139,380
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningCritical ThinkingWriting

What Political Scientists earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
110
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$100,690
median $98,300
Best-paying metro
$101,230
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Economists
$128,330 avg · 590 jobs
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
$128,650 avg · 520 jobs
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,340 avg · 440 jobs
Social Science Research Assistants
$58,720 avg · 230 jobs
Political Scientists
$100,690 avg · 110 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Political Science and Government programs in Illinois.

Which Political Science and Government program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Chicago tops the list at $56,022. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Political Scientists earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Political Scientists in Illinois is $100,690 (median $98,300), across about 110 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Political Science and Government program?+

The Political Science and Government program offers students an in-depth understanding of political systems, behavior, and institutions. This program is designed for individuals interested in exploring the complexities of governance,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, active learning, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Political Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about -3.1% growth with around 500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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