Political Science graduates earn $63,293 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,760 and $85,406. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Political Science is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $63,293 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,302 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 46,438 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$35,813
Median Earnings · 4yr
$63,293
Colleges Offering
1,302
Graduates / Year
46,438
Avg Net Price / yr
$17,307
How Much Do Political Science Graduates Earn?
Political Science graduates earn $63,293 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,760 and $85,406. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $35,813 climbs to $63,293 by year four.
$35,813
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$63,293
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$61,922
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Political Science graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$44,76025th pct.
$63,293Median
$85,40675th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $63,293 and an estimated $69,228 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.1 years.
Based on outcomes from 1,131 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 46,438 students who complete Political Science programs each year, the majority (89%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
89%
Bachelor's89%
Associate's5%
Master's4%
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
Political Science connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Political Scientist leads at $142,080/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Teach political science.
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Top Colleges for Political Science
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Political Science students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Political Science program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Political Science shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $63,293 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $35,813 at graduation to $63,293 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 75,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 1,302 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Political Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Political Science graduates earn?
Political Science graduates earn a national median of $63,293 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,760 and $85,406. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Political Science degree?
One year after graduation, Political Science degree holders earn a median of $35,813. That climbs to $63,293 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Political Science degree?
Political Science degree holders pursue careers including Political Scientist, which pays a median of $142,080/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Political Science program take?
A Political Science bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Political Science?
1,302 colleges and universities in the United States offer Political Science programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Political Science degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $63,293 and an average net price of roughly $17,307/yr, a Political Science degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Political Science and Social Sciences?
Political Science is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Political Science-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Political Science graduates?
Employers hiring Political Science graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Political Science graduates?
With a median salary of $63,293, graduate study in Political Science can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Political Science graduates?
The job outlook for Political Science graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +0.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Social Science Research Assistants is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Social Sciences Programs
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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