Best Political Science and Government Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 25 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,488 recent graduates. Graduates in Massachusetts earn $39,584 on average within two years — 15% above the national average of $34,462, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Harvard University graduates earn $57,017 while University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates earn $25,596 — a $31,421 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

25
Schools in MA
$39,584
MA Avg. Earnings
$34,462
National Avg.
532
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Massachusetts

Public Schools (6)
$31,741
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (18)
$41,635
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $9,894 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 Massachusetts, Ranked by Earnings

#1
H

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

$57,017
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $58,808
Graduates: 68
Acceptance: 3.5%
#2
W

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private

$51,482
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $47,987
Graduates: 53
Acceptance: 10.0%
#3
N

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

$49,744
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,238
Graduates: 106
Acceptance: 5.7%
#4
N

Northeastern University Professional Programs

Boston, MA ·

$49,744
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,238
Graduates: 106
Acceptance: N/A
#5
A

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

$48,432
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,419
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 9.8%
#6
C

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

$46,357
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,436
Graduates: 91
Acceptance: 21.1%
#7
B

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

$44,356
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,983
Graduates: 64
Acceptance: 35.3%
#8
B

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private

$44,276
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,951
Graduates: 136
Acceptance: 15.7%
#9
A

Assumption University

Worcester, MA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 86.5%
#10
S

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private

$40,140
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,298
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 84.7%
#11
S

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private

$39,153
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,776
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 19.7%
#12
S

Simmons University

Boston, MA · Private

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,293
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 66.0%
#13
B

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

$38,721
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,106
Graduates: 88
Acceptance: 10.8%
#14
T

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,879
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 10.1%
#15
S

Stonehill College

Easton, MA · Private

$37,748
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,781
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 72.6%
#16
W

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private

$36,852
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,693
Graduates: 41
Acceptance: 13.9%
#17
M

Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,150
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 38.3%
#18
W

Westfield State University

Westfield, MA · Public

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,446
Graduates: 41
Acceptance: 80.7%
#19
U

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

$35,004
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,030
Graduates: 203
Acceptance: 57.8%
#20
B

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,807
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 89.2%
#21
U

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA · Public

$33,266
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,557
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 92.2%
#22
W

Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Norton, MA · Private

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,034
Graduates: 25
Acceptance: 71.3%
#23
U

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public

$28,236
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,273
Graduates: 72
Acceptance: 83.0%
#24
C

Clark University

Worcester, MA · Private

$27,181
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,829
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 41.7%
#25
U

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

$25,596
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,914
Graduates: 47
Acceptance: 85.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Massachusetts?
Harvard University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Massachusetts with median graduate earnings of $57,017 within two years of graduation. There are 25 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.
How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Massachusetts?
Political Science and Government graduates in Massachusetts earn an average of $39,584 within two years of graduation. This is 15% above the national average of $34,462 for this major.
What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Massachusetts?
Harvard University is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Massachusetts with an acceptance rate of 3.5%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 46.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $41,635 vs $31,741 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 18 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Massachusetts

All colleges in Massachusetts →

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