Political Science
Quick Facts: Political Science Training
Where it's offered
Political Science programs are offered at 4 schools across 4 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $47,853/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship pathway related to Political Science — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 4 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 49/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Political Science Graduates Do
Your early career may start in a support role, like a social science research assistant. You’ll spend your days in an office setting, using databases and statistical software to gather data for a senior analyst, verify sources, and help draft sections of reports on policy or public opinion. With experience, many graduates move into management, often in the public or non-profit sectors. As a program manager, your focus shifts to leading team meetings, managing budgets in spreadsheets, and presenting progress reports to stakeholders to keep a government initiative on track.
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This progression brings significant earning growth; while entry-level research jobs have modest pay, experienced managers command six-figure salaries. Demand is strongest for roles blending analysis with leadership, particularly in management. AI and software are changing this work, automating much of the routine data collection and report generation. This shift frees you to focus on the critical human tasks: interpreting complex findings, negotiating with stakeholders, and building persuasive arguments—skills that remain essential.
If Political Science doesn't fit your goals, programs like International Relations, Economics, and Sociology draw from adjacent skill sets.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Political Science. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer
RAPIDS 2073CB |
Competency | Competency | $100K – $136,550 – $179K | 4.5% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Political Science Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Political Science is offered at 4 schools across 4 states. Click your state to see all trade programs offered locally.
Top Political Science Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Political Science programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
4 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ |
65 62–68 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI |
63 59–66 |
| 3 | American University Washington, DC |
56 50–59 |
| 4 | Davidson College Davidson, NC |
54 48–57 |
Highest Earning Political Science Programs
Schools where Political Science graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $52,771/yr | 65 |
| American University | $51,222/yr | 56 |
| Davidson College | $46,232/yr | 54 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $41,188/yr | 63 |
Best ROI for Political Science
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Political Science.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 48.9x | $41,188/yr | 63 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 42.8x | $52,771/yr | 65 |
| American University | 12.1x | $51,222/yr | 56 |
| Davidson College | 12.0x | $46,232/yr | 54 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Political Science degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.