Best Political Science and Government Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 23 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,206 recent graduates. Graduates in Virginia earn $37,841 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $34,409, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Washington and Lee University graduates earn $41,007 while Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn $26,353 — a $14,654 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in VA

$37,841

VA Avg. Earnings

$34,409

National Avg.

631

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Virginia

Public Schools (12)

$38,894

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (11)

$36,186

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia 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 Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private

$41,007

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $47,231

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 17.4%

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$48,432

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,129

Graduates: 83

Acceptance: 16.9%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$40,341

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,529

Graduates: 129

Acceptance: 57.0%

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$41,984

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,975

Graduates: 174

Acceptance: 88.8%

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$39,860

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,969

Graduates: 70

Acceptance: 76.3%

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$44,117

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,630

Graduates: 111

Acceptance: 32.7%

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,873

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 80.1%

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$41,342

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,559

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 83.4%

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,709

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 50.1%

#10

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

$41,789

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,110

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 23.3%

#11

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,647

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 90.8%

#12

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$33,281

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,880

Graduates: 82

Acceptance: 88.0%

#13

Marymount University

Arlington, VA · Private

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$38,829

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,483

Graduates: 43

Acceptance: 90.6%

#15

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · Private

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,107

Graduates: 158

Acceptance: 93.1%

#17

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$37,568

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,764

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 86.3%

#18

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,205

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 90.5%

#19

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$36,131

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,561

Graduates: 90

Acceptance: 99.3%

#20

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,410

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 89.1%

#22

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$26,353

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 71.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Washington and Lee University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $41,007 within two years of graduation. There are 23 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.

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

Political Science and Government graduates in Virginia earn an average of $37,841 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $34,409 for this major.

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

University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 69.9%.

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

In Virginia, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $36,186 vs $38,894 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 12 public and 11 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Industrial Engineering $70,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922

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Political Science and Government in Other States

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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.