Best Political Science and Government Schools in Washington DC

Washington DC has 6 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 784 recent graduates. Graduates in Washington DC earn $42,863 on average within two years — 25% above the national average of $34,409, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: George Washington University graduates earn $47,142 while Howard University graduates earn $33,281 — a $13,861 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

6
Schools in DC
$42,863
DC Avg. Earnings
$34,409
National Avg.
631
Schools Nationally

Political Science and Government Schools in Washington DC, Ranked by Earnings

#1
George Washington University logo

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private

$47,142
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,076
Graduates: 235
Acceptance: 43.5%
#2
Georgetown University logo

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private

$52,524
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,297
Graduates: 204
Acceptance: 13.1%
#3
The Catholic University of America logo

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC · Private

$35,891
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,721
Graduates: 67
Acceptance: 83.8%
#4
American University logo

American University

Washington, DC · Private

$45,655
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,217
Graduates: 155
Acceptance: 47.4%
#5
U

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC ·

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,124
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: N/A
#6
Howard University logo

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,844
Graduates: 101
Acceptance: 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Washington DC?
George Washington University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Washington DC with median graduate earnings of $47,142 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.
How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Washington DC?
Political Science and Government graduates in Washington DC earn an average of $42,863 within two years of graduation. This is 25% above the national average of $34,409 for this major.
What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Washington DC?
Georgetown University is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Washington DC with an acceptance rate of 13.1%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 44.5%.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.