Best Political Science and Government Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 8 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 238 recent graduates. Graduates earn $36,146 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,409.

8
Schools in IA
$36,146
IA Avg. Earnings
$34,409
National Avg.
631
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Iowa

Public Schools (3)
$38,604
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$33,688
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Iowa produce comparable or higher early earnings for Political Science and Government graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Political Science and Government Schools in Iowa, Ranked by Earnings

#1
Grinnell College logo

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

$34,704
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,893
Graduates: 41
Acceptance: 12.7%
#2
Drake University logo

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

N/A
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,893
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 64.1%
#3
University of Iowa logo

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public

$36,914
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,220
Graduates: 74
Acceptance: 84.7%
#4
Simpson College logo

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private

N/A
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.9%
#5
Iowa State University logo

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$38,529
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,620
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 89.1%
#6
Luther College logo

Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,592
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 73.3%
#7
University of Northern Iowa logo

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public

$40,368
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,786
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 94.4%
#8
Grand View University logo

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · Private

$36,674
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 98.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Iowa?
Grinnell College ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $34,704 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.
How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Iowa?
Political Science and Government graduates in Iowa earn an average of $36,146 within two years of graduation. This is 5% above the national average of $34,409 for this major.
What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Iowa?
Grinnell College is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 12.7%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 75.7%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in Iowa?
In Iowa, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $33,688 vs $38,604 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Iowa

All colleges in Iowa →

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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.