Washington · Political Science and Government

Best Political Science and Government institutions in Washington, 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
14
offering CIP 45.10
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
692
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$41,130
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
13
College Scorecard
Median net price
$28,508
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
67%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Political Scientists
$129,730
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
1Whitworth University
Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$43,9331671%$23,510$22,624
2Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$41,5181069%$19,944$20,250
3Seattle University
Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$41,4742076%$31,900$20,449
4University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Seattle Public · Bachelor's degree
$41,24628785%$14,000
5University of Washington - Bothell Campus
Bothell Public · Bachelor's degree
$41,2464165%$14,000
6Washington State University
Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree
$41,1308960%$23,250
7Central Washington University
Ellensburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$39,2201754%$16,936
8Eastern Washington University
Cheney Public · Bachelor's degree
$33,1733343%$21,412
9Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$32,2881762%$24,653$26,775
10University of Puget Sound
Tacoma Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$31,2902368%$35,057$22,801

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 Washington

Jobs in Washington
140
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$129,730
median $140,970
Best-paying metro
$129,840
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Related careers

Social Science Research Assistants
$53,190 avg · 500 jobs
Economists
$128,120 avg · 470 jobs
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$92,150 avg · 390 jobs
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
$100,690 avg · 230 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Whitworth University tops the list at $43,933. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Political Scientists earn in Washington?+

The average annual wage for Political Scientists in Washington is $129,730 (median $140,970), across about 140 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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