by our College Data Analytics Team
[Political Science And Government](/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the early-career earnings of their political science and government graduates.
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Below are the schools whose political science and government graduates go on to earn the most.
Georgetown University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid political science and government graduates in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Political Science And Government graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of about $86,431 a year early in their careers.
George Washington University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying political science and government schools. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Political Science And Government graduates of George Washington University earn a median of about $86,946 a year early in their careers.
American University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in political science and government, landing the #3 spot this year. American University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. After graduating, political science and government degree recipients from American University typically earn about $77,875 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in political science and government will find them at Catholic University Of America, which ranked #4. Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Political Science And Government graduates of Catholic University Of America earn a median of about $70,657 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in political science and government will find them at University Of The District Of Columbia, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. Political Science And Government graduates of University Of The District Of Columbia earn a median of about $49,935 a year early in their careers.
Howard University placed #6 among the highest-paying schools for political science and government. Set in the city of Washington, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Political Science And Government graduates of Howard University earn a median of about $59,986 a year early in their careers.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their political science and government graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.