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2025 Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

124 Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
9,218 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$37,575 Avg Early-Career Salary
Political Science & Government is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #20 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual reviewed 124 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of political science & government. Combined, these schools handed out 9,218 degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School

Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region The political science program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Political Science & Government rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for political science & government schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Political Science & Government Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Political Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science
Master's Degrees in Political Science
Doctor's Degrees in Political Science

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Political Science & Government in the Middle Atlantic Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the political science degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

24 Top Middle Atlantic Region Schools in Political Science

1
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
308 Political Science Degrees Awarded
0.6% Growth in Graduates

Georgetown University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in political science & government. Georgetown is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 308 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Georgetown University get $19,823 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Georgetown University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
159 Political Science Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in political science & government needs to look into Johns Hopkins University. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 159 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at Johns Hopkins University earn $58,731 above the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Johns Hopkins University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Political Science Program Name

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University
3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$65,473 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you want to pursue a degree in political science & government. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 133 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from University of Pennsylvania receive $27,898 more than the standard political science graduate.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Pennsylvania

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
308 Political Science Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat Columbia University in the City of New York if you want to pursue a degree in political science & government. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 308 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Columbia University in the City of New York make $23,502 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Columbia University in the City of New York

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
469 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$59,288 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were about 469 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from George Washington University earn $21,713 more than the typical political science graduate.

More information about a degree in political science & government from George Washington University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$60,292 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were approximately 157 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Cornell University receive $22,717 more than the typical political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Cornell University

7
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
246 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$48,131 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #61 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means The American University is a great university overall.

There were about 246 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from American University get an earnings boost of around $10,556 over the average income of political science & government graduates.

More information about a degree in political science & government from American University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
345 Political Science Degrees Awarded
4.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were about 345 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from University of Maryland - College Park receive $5,113 more than the average political science graduate.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Maryland - College Park

9
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
248 Political Science Degrees Awarded
1.6% Growth in Graduates

NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 248 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at New York University get $13,208 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from New York University

10
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$46,549 Median Starting Salary

Villanova is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Villanova. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Villanova is a great university overall.

There were approximately 121 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Villanova University earn $8,974 more than the average political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Villanova University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$31,972 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Newark, UD is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 3 schools for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were approximately 127 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program report average early career income of $31,972.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Delaware

12
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
187 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$43,232 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were about 187 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Syracuse University make $5,657 more than the average political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Syracuse University

13
Princeton crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$63,317 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #27 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Princeton is a great university overall.

There were about 100 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Princeton University get an earnings boost of approximately $25,742 above the typical income of political science & government graduates.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Princeton University

14
Barnard crest
Barnard College
New York, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
70 Political Science Degrees Awarded
34.3% Growth in Graduates

Barnard is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of New York. This college ranks 9th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 70 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Barnard in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Barnard College make $19,723 more than the standard political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Barnard College

15
Bucknell crest
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
97 Political Science Degrees Awarded
8.2% Growth in Graduates

Bucknell is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Lewisburg. This university ranks 11th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 97 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Bucknell in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Bucknell University make $15,437 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Bucknell University

16
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
87 Political Science Degrees Awarded
9.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the rural area of Hamilton, Colgate is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 11th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 87 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Colgate in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Colgate University receive $18,489 more than the typical political science graduate.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Colgate University

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
164 Political Science Degrees Awarded
7.9% Growth in Graduates

Fordham U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Bronx. This university ranks 7th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 164 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Fordham University earn $4,234 above the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Fordham University

18
Swarthmore crest
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 Political Science Degrees Awarded
36.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Swarthmore, Swarthmore is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 5th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 36 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Swarthmore in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Swarthmore College make $2,874 more than the average political science grad.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Swarthmore College

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
129 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$37,194 Median Starting Salary

Binghamton University is a large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Vestal. This university ranks 15th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 129 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Binghamton University in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program state that they receive average early career income of $37,194.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Binghamton University

20
Lafayette crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 Political Science Degrees Awarded
27.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Easton, Lafayette is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 14th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 84 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Lafayette in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government degree program at Lafayette College earn $10,537 more than the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Lafayette College

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Political Science Degrees Awarded
15.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 227 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Rutgers University - New Brunswick earn $2,809 more than the standard political science graduate.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

22
Hamilton crest
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
40 Political Science Degrees Awarded
10.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Clinton, Hamilton is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 12th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 40 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Hamilton in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Hamilton College earn $21,232 more than the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Hamilton College

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
181 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$35,390 Median Starting Salary

Pitt is a fairly large public university located in the city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 6th out of 103 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 181 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients usually earn an average of $35,390 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$44,617 Median Starting Salary

CUA is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. This university ranks 4th out of 7 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 80 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at CUA in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Catholic University of America earn $7,042 more than the standard political science grad.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Catholic University of America

Rest of the Top Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Political Science & Government students in the Middle Atlantic Region that almost earned our Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region award.

Rank College Location
25 University of Rochester Rochester, NY
26 University at Albany Albany, NY
27 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
28 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
29 Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA
30 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY
31 Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA
32 Muhlenberg College Allentown, PA
33 Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster, PA
34 Union College New York Schenectady, NY
35 Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
36 Hobart and William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY
37 Dickinson College Carlisle, PA
38 Rutgers University - Newark Newark, NJ
39 Howard University Washington, DC
40 Haverford College Haverford, PA
41 Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY

Best Political Science & Government Colleges by State

Explore the best political science & government schools for a specific state in the Middle Atlantic Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Pennsylvania 334 2,079
New York 333 3,765
Maryland 279 1,135
New Jersey 273 792
District of Columbia 188 1,320
Delaware 175 173

View All Rankings >

Political Science & Government is one of 13 different types of Social Sciences programs to choose from.

Political Science Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Political Science 8,734
American Government & Politics (United States) 220
Other Political Science & Government 158
Political Economy 106

View All Political Science Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Economics 10,436
International Relations & National Security 4,976
Sociology 4,681
General Social Sciences 2,552
Anthropology 1,561
Geography & Cartography 1,298
Other Social Sciences 779
Urban Studies 450
Sociology & Anthropology 148
Archeology 61

View All Political Science Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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