Pennsylvania · Political Science and Government

Best Political Science and Government institutions in Pennsylvania, 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
80
offering CIP 45.10
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
1,661
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$46,266
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
28
College Scorecard
Median net price
$23,700
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
65%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Political Scientists
$138,120
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 Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$65,47311497%$22,055$14,722
2Lehigh University
Bethlehem Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$53,6323888%$26,912$21,150
3Bucknell University
Lewisburg Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$53,0126286%$30,675$26,000
4Lafayette College
Easton Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$48,1126088%$20,396$13,640
5Villanova University
Villanova Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$46,5499292%$33,774$25,620
6Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$46,2661082%$23,620$27,000
7Franklin and Marshall College
Lancaster Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$45,9283784%$27,178$19,000
8Gettysburg College
Gettysburg Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$43,3226483%$24,453$27,000
9Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus
Indiana Public · Bachelor's degree
$40,7301956%$27,000
10Swarthmore College
Swarthmore Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$40,4492592%$18,174

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 Pennsylvania

Jobs in Pennsylvania
90
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$138,120
median $132,640
Best-paying metro
$123,320
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Related careers

Social Science Research Assistants
$57,490 avg · 1,270 jobs
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$96,840 avg · 810 jobs
Economists
$110,740 avg · 710 jobs
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
$125,860 avg · 620 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Pennsylvania tops the list at $65,473. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Political Scientists earn in Pennsylvania?+

The average annual wage for Political Scientists in Pennsylvania is $138,120 (median $132,640), across about 90 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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