Best Political Science and Government Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 12 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 473 recent graduates. Graduates in Tennessee earn $31,605 on average within two years — 8% below the national average of $34,409. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Vanderbilt University graduates earn $43,798 while East Tennessee State University graduates earn $25,194 — a $18,604 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$31,605

TN Avg. Earnings

$34,409

National Avg.

631

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Tennessee

Public Schools (9)

$28,308

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$41,498

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $13,190 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 Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$43,798

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,927

Graduates: 48

Acceptance: 6.3%

The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private

$37,568

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,235

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 50.9%

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private

$43,128

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,918

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 49.7%

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$26,933

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,709

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 77.0%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$31,795

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,920

Graduates: 135

Acceptance: 46.0%

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 92.6%

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public

$28,598

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 87.3%

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$31,660

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,549

Graduates: 70

Acceptance: 68.0%

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$26,997

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,392

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 93.4%

#10

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$25,658

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,380

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 83.2%

#11

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public

$31,581

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,011

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 96.0%

#12

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,938

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 87.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $43,798 within two years of graduation. There are 12 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.

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

Political Science and Government graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $31,605 within two years of graduation. This is 8% below the national average of $34,409 for this major.

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

Vanderbilt University is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 69.8%.

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

In Tennessee, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $41,498 vs $28,308 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,457 Chemical Engineering $66,750 Engineering, General $62,877 Computer Science $59,925 Computer Engineering $59,120 Civil Engineering $58,536 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708

All colleges in Tennessee →

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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.