Best graduate programs Political Science

Best master’s degree in political science

A master’s in political science provides advanced interdisciplinary training in topics like economics, national and international politics, public policy, sociology, and law. Three years after completing their degree, political science graduates earn a weighted average salary of $56,738. 

Our rankings of political science graduate programs cover 25 of the 96 programs available, accounting for 49% of total conferrals. We are unable to include schools for which there are insufficient earnings and/or debt data. 

For more information on how we determine the best master’s degree in political science programs, please visit our methodology page.

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#1 in Political Science | #14 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Economic score 0.29

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $103,776

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.4

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $41,000

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#2 in Political Science | #8 in Humanities & Social Sciences

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Economic score 0.40

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $74,195

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.5

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $40,203

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#3 in Political Science | #21 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Economic score 0.43

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $57,438

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.5

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $26,392

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#4 in Political Science | #22 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

Economic score 0.47

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $46,478

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.5

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $24,146

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#5 in Political Science | #59 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas

Economic score 0.49

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $49,058

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $27,528

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#6 in Political Science | #24 in Humanities & Social Sciences

CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York

Economic score 0.56

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $47,260

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.5

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $25,624

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#7 in Political Science | #26 in Humanities & Social Sciences
Economic score 0.62

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $50,702

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $30,448

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#8 in Political Science | #44 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Pace University

New York, New York

Economic score 0.72

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $64,911

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.9

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $57,602

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#9 in Political Science | #45 in Humanities & Social Sciences

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Economic score 0.73

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $43,798

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.6

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $25,593

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#10 in Political Science | #38 in Humanities & Social Sciences

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia

Economic score 0.74

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $76,708

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.8

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $60,256

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#11 in Political Science | #50 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

Economic score 0.76

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $41,758

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.7

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $29,389

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#12 in Political Science | #65 in Humanities & Social Sciences
Economic score 0.82

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $54,680

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.9

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $48,854

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#13 in Political Science | #68 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Rutgers University, New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Economic score 1.01

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $43,420

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.0

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $41,649

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#14 in Political Science | #81 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Economic score 1.03

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $50,337

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.7

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $36,907

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#15 in Political Science | #80 in Humanities & Social Sciences
Economic score 1.08

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $60,338

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.1

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $65,441

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#16 in Political Science | #58 in Humanities & Social Sciences

American University

Washington, District of Columbia

Economic score 1.26

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $46,087

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.0

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $46,871

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#17 in Political Science | #83 in Humanities & Social Sciences
Economic score 1.32

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $35,204

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.1

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $37,786

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#18 in Political Science | #84 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Economic score 1.37

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $37,208

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 0.9

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $34,166

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

#19 in Political Science | #35 in Humanities & Social Sciences

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia

Economic score 1.43

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $52,107

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings 1.3

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt $68,130

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Economic score N/A

The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.

Earnings $50,856

Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.

Debt to earnings N/A

The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.

Debt N/A

The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.

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How long does it take to pay down debt in poli sci/government?

Years

Under a year

The average debt accrued from a master's degree in poli sci/government is covered by average graduate earnings in under a year.

How much do graduates with a master's degree in poli sci/government earn?

Salary

$56,738

The median master's degree in poli sci/government graduate earns $56,738 3 years after graduating.

How much does a master's degree in poli sci/government cost?

Net cost

$21,601

The average annual cost of a master's degree in poli sci/government is $21,601. This is the net cost and considers only students that have received Title IV funds.

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