Best Political Science and Government Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 18 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 956 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,212 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,462.

School choice matters significantly: Northwestern University graduates earn $47,846 while Knox College graduates earn $22,578 — a $25,268 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$33,212

IL Avg. Earnings

$34,462

National Avg.

532

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Illinois

Public Schools (9)

$32,958

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (9)

$33,467

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $509 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Political Science and Government Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$47,846

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,960

Graduates: 84

Acceptance: 7.1%

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$40,872

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,082

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 4.8%

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$39,741

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,855

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 67.8%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$37,624

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,914

Graduates: 131

Acceptance: 43.7%

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$36,141

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 45.2%

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$35,594

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 76.7%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$35,274

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,733

Graduates: 90

Acceptance: 89.0%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$34,298

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,484

Graduates: 115

Acceptance: 73.5%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$33,798

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,084

Graduates: 104

Acceptance: 70.5%

#10

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$33,459

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,711

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 70.4%

#11

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$31,941

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,139

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 97.2%

#12

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$30,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,417

Graduates: 63

Acceptance: 78.5%

#13

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private

$30,409

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,630

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 59.4%

#14

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$28,236

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,845

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 90.4%

#15

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$27,114

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,001

Graduates: 113

Acceptance: 81.4%

#16

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$26,353

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,180

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 67.7%

#17

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$25,774

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,206

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 75.0%

#18

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$22,578

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Illinois?

Northwestern University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $47,846 within two years of graduation. There are 18 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.

How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Illinois?

Political Science and Government graduates in Illinois earn an average of $33,212 within two years of graduation. This is 4% below the national average of $34,462 for this major.

What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 65.0%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $33,467 vs $32,958 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 9 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

Political Science and Government in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.