[College research](/) / [Rankings](/rankings/)

# Political Science and Government Programs in the Midwest

Updated September 30, 2026

Part of [Best Social Sciences Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-social-sciences-colleges-in-the-midwest/)

This page ranks 129 Political Science and Government programs in the Midwest by median earnings of Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. [University of Notre Dame](/school/university-of-notre-dame/majors/) ranks 1st on this list, with median earnings of $94,297 for its graduates four years after completing.

Across the listed programs, the median figure is $58,163, and the range stretches from $94,297 to $25,658. For 13 of the 129 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.

Public institutions account for 74 of the programs and private nonprofits for 55. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks 16th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, the best showing on the page. Indiana University-South Bend posts the lowest average net price, at $8,653.

## The ranked list

129 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN | $94,297 | $26,780 | $7,244 | 11.3% |
|  | [University of Notre Dame](/school/university-of-notre-dame/majors/) reports [median earnings of $94,297](/school/university-of-notre-dame/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, the highest figure on this list. |
| 2 | Washington University in St Louis · St. Louis, MO | $90,778 | $21,786 | $1,716 | 12.1% |
|  | [Washington University in St Louis](/school/washington-university-in-st-louis/majors/) posts an [average net price of $21,786](/school/washington-university-in-st-louis/cost/) alongside median earnings of $90,778 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 3 | University of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $87,869 | $14,860 | \-$1,264\* | 4.5% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 4%](/school/university-of-chicago/admissions/), [University of Chicago](/school/university-of-chicago/majors/) ranks 3rd on this list and reports median earnings of $87,869 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 4 | DePauw University · Greencastle, IN | $79,117 | $22,264 | $11,820 | 57.2% |
|  | [DePauw University](/school/depauw-university/majors/) [ranks 657th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/depauw-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows median earnings of $79,117 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 5 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI | $77,480 | $13,138 | $1,043 | 15.6% |
|  | [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/school/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor/majors/), a public university in Ann Arbor, reports [median earnings of $77,480](/school/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $13,138. |
| 6 | Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, OH | $76,451 | $41,190 | $19,025 | 36.5% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $24,000](/school/case-western-reserve-university/outcomes/) in federal loans at [Case Western Reserve University](/school/case-western-reserve-university/majors/), where Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $76,451 four years after completing. |
| 7 | Miami University-Oxford · Oxford, OH | $75,374 | $28,384 | $16,015 | 75.4% |
|  | [Miami University-Oxford](/school/miami-university-oxford/majors/) [admits 75% of applicants](/school/miami-university-oxford/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $75,374 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 8 | Saint Mary's College · Notre Dame, IN | $74,623 | $25,292 | $16,760 | 76.0% |
|  | [Saint Mary's College](/school/saint-marys-college/majors/) reports [median earnings of $74,623](/school/saint-marys-college/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an earnings cohort of 6 graduates. |
| 9 | Wabash College · Crawfordsville, IN | $74,061 | $24,336 | $16,586 | 63.3% |
|  | [Wabash College](/school/wabash-college/majors/) posts an [average net price of $16,586](/school/wabash-college/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $74,061 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 10 | Marquette University · Milwaukee, WI | $74,008 | $31,487 | $22,269 | 81.3% |
|  | [Marquette University](/school/marquette-university/majors/) [ranks 450th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/marquette-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $74,008 four years after completing. |
| 11 | Northwestern University · Evanston, IL | $73,231 | $29,167 | $1,764 | 7.7% |
|  | [Northwestern University](/school/northwestern-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $73,231](/school/northwestern-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 8%. |
| 12 | Fort Hays State University · Hays, KS | $72,384 | $12,569 | $7,661 | 90.3% |
|  | [Fort Hays State University](/school/fort-hays-state-university/majors/), a public university in Hays, reports [median earnings of $72,384](/school/fort-hays-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $12,569. |
| 13 | Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN | $71,601 | $14,600 | $5,098 | 49.9% |
|  | [Purdue University-Main Campus](/school/purdue-university-main-campus/majors/) reports [median earnings of $71,601](/school/purdue-university-main-campus/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $5,098 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 14 | South Dakota State University · Brookings, SD | $70,727 | $19,841 | $14,266 | 98.3% |
|  | [South Dakota State University](/school/south-dakota-state-university/majors/) ranks 14th on this list and shows a [median federal debt of $24,250](/school/south-dakota-state-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 15 | Oberlin College · Oberlin, OH | $70,689 | $38,645 | $18,774 | 34.2% |
|  | A private nonprofit institution in Oberlin, [Oberlin College](/school/oberlin-college/majors/) [admits 34% of applicants](/school/oberlin-college/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $70,689 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 16 | Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN | $69,992 | $16,264 | $6,324 | 78.2% |
|  | [Indiana University-Bloomington](/school/indiana-university-bloomington/majors/) places 96th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an [average net price of $16,264](/school/indiana-university-bloomington/cost/). |
| 17 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL | $69,515 | $14,355 | $2,038 | 42.4% |
|  | [University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign](/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/majors/) reports [median earnings of $69,515](/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, drawn from a cohort of 260 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 18 | Ripon College · Ripon, WI | $68,800 | $20,216 | $15,712 | 79.8% |
|  | Ripon College ranks 18th on this page, and graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a median of $27,000 in federal loans. |
| 19 | University of Dayton · Dayton, OH | $68,731 | $29,533 | $21,736 | 65.5% |
|  | [University of Dayton](/school/university-of-dayton/majors/) shows an [admission rate of 65%](/school/university-of-dayton/admissions/) and median earnings of $68,731 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 20 | Grinnell College · Grinnell, IA | $68,518 | $17,648 | $9,970 | 14.5% |
|  | [Grinnell College](/school/grinnell-college/majors/) reports a [median federal debt of $17,500](/school/grinnell-college/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, alongside an average net price of $9,970 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 21 | Roosevelt University · Chicago, IL | $68,226 | $20,194 | $18,018 | 97.2% |
|  | [Roosevelt University](/school/roosevelt-university/majors/) places 699th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports [median earnings of $68,226](/school/roosevelt-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 22 | Saint Louis University · Saint Louis, MO | $67,287 | $24,398 | $22,501 | 75.0% |
|  | [Saint Louis University](/school/saint-louis-university/majors/) ranks 22nd on this list, with a [median federal debt of $22,386](/school/saint-louis-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 23 | Drake University · Des Moines, IA | $67,257 | $29,127 | $25,824 | 63.9% |
|  | [Drake University](/school/drake-university/majors/) [admits 64% of applicants](/school/drake-university/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $67,257 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 24 | Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI | $67,032 | $19,680 | $7,068 | 84.8% |
|  | [Michigan State University](/school/michigan-state-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $7,068](/school/michigan-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, alongside a median federal debt of $21,500 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 25 | Southeast Missouri State University · Cape Girardeau, MO | $66,799 | $15,882 | $12,704 | 73.5% |
|  | [Southeast Missouri State University](/school/southeast-missouri-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $66,799](/school/southeast-missouri-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $15,882. |
| 26 | University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND | $66,535 | $18,551 | $13,126 | 76.9% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of North Dakota](/school/university-of-north-dakota/majors/) left with a [median of $22,057](/school/university-of-north-dakota/outcomes/) in federal loans, while its Political Science and Government completers earned $66,535 four years after completing. |
| 27 | University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI | $66,148 | $17,354 | $4,200 | 45.2% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Madison](/school/university-of-wisconsin-madison/majors/) [admits 45% of applicants](/school/university-of-wisconsin-madison/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $66,148 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 28 | Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH | $65,972 | $17,339 | $4,885 | 60.6% |
|  | [Ohio State University-Main Campus](/school/ohio-state-university-main-campus/majors/) ranks 28th on this list and carries an [average net price of $4,885](/school/ohio-state-university-main-campus/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 29 | University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA | $65,923 | $22,531 | $15,316 | 83.6% |
|  | [University of Iowa](/school/university-of-iowa/majors/) shows [median federal debt of $21,500](/school/university-of-iowa/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, with median earnings of $65,923 four years after completing. |
| 30 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN | $65,487 | $16,778 | $6,642 | 79.8% |
|  | An [average net price of $6,642](/school/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $65,487 for Political Science and Government graduates at [University of Minnesota-Twin Cities](/school/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 31 | College of Saint Benedict · Saint Joseph, MN | $64,777 | $26,640 | $12,981 | 91.5% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Saint Joseph, College of Saint Benedict reports median earnings of $64,777 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 32 | The College of Wooster · Wooster, OH | $64,760 | $23,458 | $12,512 | 59.5% |
|  | The College of Wooster posts an admission rate of 60% and median federal debt of $26,784 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 33 | University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO | $64,747 | $20,268 | $13,841 | 78.5% |
|  | [University of Missouri-Columbia](/school/university-of-missouri-columbia/majors/) reports [median earnings of $64,747](/school/university-of-missouri-columbia/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $13,841 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 34 | University of Central Missouri · Warrensburg, MO | $63,965 | $14,462 | $10,965 | 63.8% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 64%](/school/university-of-central-missouri/admissions/), [University of Central Missouri](/school/university-of-central-missouri/majors/) reports median earnings of $63,965 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 35 | Kansas State University · Manhattan, KS | $63,811 | $19,406 | $13,178 | 81.7% |
|  | [Kansas State University](/school/kansas-state-university/majors/) shows [median federal debt of $24,519](/school/kansas-state-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, alongside an average net price of $19,406. |
| 36 | Simpson College · Indianola, IA | $63,790 | $21,936 | $17,941 | 86.2% |
|  | [Simpson College](/school/simpson-college/majors/) reports [median earnings of $63,790](/school/simpson-college/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, and graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a median of $26,000 in federal loans. |
| 37 | Saint Johns University · Collegeville, MN | $63,770 | $25,672 | $10,354 | 90.6% |
|  | Saint Johns University reports median earnings of $63,770 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $25,672. |
| 38 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Lincoln, NE | $63,466 | $17,747 | $12,751 | 87.5% |
|  | [University of Nebraska-Lincoln](/school/university-of-nebraska-lincoln/majors/) [admits 87% of applicants](/school/university-of-nebraska-lincoln/admissions/) and its Political Science and Government completers who borrowed left with a median of $21,500 in federal loans. |
| 39 | Loyola University Chicago · Chicago, IL | $63,437 | $36,079 | $28,992 | 81.6% |
|  | [Loyola University Chicago](/school/loyola-university-chicago/majors/) [ranks 527th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/loyola-university-chicago/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 160 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 40 | Xavier University · Cincinnati, OH | $63,347 | $32,997 | $26,728 | 86.4% |
|  | [Xavier University](/school/xavier-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $63,347](/school/xavier-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $26,728 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 41 | Hope College · Holland, MI | $62,936 | $27,182 | $17,606 | 79.2% |
|  | [Hope College](/school/hope-college/majors/) ranks 41st on this list, with a [median of $24,499](/school/hope-college/outcomes/) in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 42 | Gustavus Adolphus College · Saint Peter, MN | $62,218 | $22,900 | $12,015 | 61.0% |
|  | [Gustavus Adolphus College](/school/gustavus-adolphus-college/majors/) posts an [admission rate of 61%](/school/gustavus-adolphus-college/admissions/) and median earnings of $62,218 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 43 | University of St Thomas · Saint Paul, MN | $61,922 | $29,155 | $28,131 | 85.4% |
|  | University of St Thomas reports an average net price of $29,155 and ranks 526th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 44 | University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS | $61,839 | $18,059 | $12,544 | 93.5% |
|  | Median earnings of $61,839 four years after completing coincide with 123 graduates in the earnings cohort for [University of Kansas](/school/university-of-kansas/majors/). |
| 45 | Lake Forest College · Lake Forest, IL | $61,770 | $28,673 | $19,605 | 56.8% |
|  | Lake Forest College shows a median of $27,000 in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, and an admission rate of 57%. |
| 46 | Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL | $61,519 | $12,786 | $9,828 | 65.4% |
|  | [Eastern Illinois University](/school/eastern-illinois-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $9,828](/school/eastern-illinois-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $61,519 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 47 | Wayne State University · Detroit, MI | $61,466 | $12,766 | $11,090 | 81.2% |
|  | [Wayne State University](/school/wayne-state-university/majors/) [ranks 80th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/wayne-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 96 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 48 | University of South Dakota · Vermillion, SD | $61,362 | $19,858 | $14,921 | 98.8% |
|  | [University of South Dakota](/school/university-of-south-dakota/majors/) [admits 99% of applicants](/school/university-of-south-dakota/admissions/) and its Political Science and Government graduates report median earnings of $61,362 four years after completing. |
| 49 | Truman State University · Kirksville, MO | $60,586 | $12,780 | $6,046 | 83.8% |
|  | [Truman State University](/school/truman-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $60,586](/school/truman-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 20 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 50 | Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL | $60,545 | $14,109 | $13,709 | 74.6% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [Northeastern Illinois University](/school/northeastern-illinois-university/majors/) with a [median of $14,600](/school/northeastern-illinois-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school ranks 172nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 51 | University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL | $60,020 | $10,974 | $7,529 | 77.4% |
|  | [University of Illinois Chicago](/school/university-of-illinois-chicago/majors/) [admits 77% of applicants](/school/university-of-illinois-chicago/admissions/) and carries an average net price of $10,974. |
| 52 | University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $60,016 | $15,071 | $13,031 | 62.7% |
|  | Median federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed is $20,687 at [University of Missouri-St Louis](/school/university-of-missouri-st-louis/majors/), which ranks 52nd on this list. |
| 53 | Minnesota State University-Mankato · Mankato, MN | $59,997 | $19,139 | $12,339 | 88.4% |
|  | [Minnesota State University-Mankato](/school/minnesota-state-university-mankato/majors/) posts [median earnings of $59,997](/school/minnesota-state-university-mankato/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $12,339 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 54 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $59,571 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 88.2% |
|  | [Illinois State University](/school/illinois-state-university/majors/) [ranks 137th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/illinois-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports 91 graduates in the earnings cohort for its Political Science and Government program. |
| 55 | Indiana State University · Terre Haute, IN | $59,060 | $10,873 | $6,455 | 80.8% |
|  | [Indiana State University](/school/indiana-state-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $59,060](/school/indiana-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 81%. |
| 56 | Ball State University · Muncie, IN | $58,953 | $14,940 | $7,834 | 85.5% |
|  | [Ball State University](/school/ball-state-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $7,834](/school/ball-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median federal debt of $25,410 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 57 | Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH | $58,907 | $21,637 | $15,673 | 85.0% |
|  | [Ohio University-Main Campus](/school/ohio-university-main-campus/majors/) reports [median earnings of $58,907](/school/ohio-university-main-campus/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 98 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 58 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Cincinnati, OH | $58,863 | $25,648 | $17,974 | 85.3% |
|  | [University of Cincinnati-Main Campus](/school/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus/majors/) [admits 85% of applicants](/school/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus/admissions/) and ranks 250th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 59 | University of Michigan-Dearborn · Dearborn, MI | $58,641 | $9,492 | $7,211 | 55.6% |
|  | An [average net price of $9,492](/school/university-of-michigan-dearborn/cost/) coincides with median earnings of $58,641 for Political Science and Government graduates of [University of Michigan-Dearborn](/school/university-of-michigan-dearborn/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 60 | Macalester College · Saint Paul, MN | $58,555 | $32,149 | $13,772 | 28.5% |
|  | Macalester College carries an admission rate of 29% and median federal debt of $23,118 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 61 | Aurora University · Aurora, IL | $58,503 | $18,838 | $14,525 | 80.9% |
|  | [Aurora University](/school/aurora-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $58,503](/school/aurora-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $18,838. |
| 62 | University of Minnesota-Duluth · Duluth, MN | $58,256 | $18,743 | $7,256 | 88.8% |
|  | [University of Minnesota-Duluth](/school/university-of-minnesota-duluth/majors/) [admits 89% of applicants](/school/university-of-minnesota-duluth/admissions/) and shows a median of $19,500 in federal loans among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 63 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH | $58,254 | $24,022 | $18,396 | 81.0% |
|  | [Bowling Green State University-Main Campus](/school/bowling-green-state-university-main-campus/majors/) ranks 63rd on this list, with [median earnings of $58,254](/school/bowling-green-state-university-main-campus/outcomes/) four years after completing and an average net price of $18,396 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 64 | University of Illinois Springfield · Springfield, IL | $58,236 | $9,833 | $5,778 | 85.9% |
|  | [University of Illinois Springfield](/school/university-of-illinois-springfield/majors/) carries an [average net price of $9,833](/school/university-of-illinois-springfield/cost/) and reports median earnings of $58,236 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 65 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $58,163 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 75.9% |
|  | [DePaul University](/school/depaul-university/majors/) posts [median earnings of $58,163](/school/depaul-university/outcomes/) four years after completing, with a cohort of 126 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 66 | Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO | $58,014 | $17,613 | $13,718 | 90.5% |
|  | [Missouri State University-Springfield](/school/missouri-state-university-springfield/majors/) shows a [median of $19,160](/school/missouri-state-university-springfield/outcomes/) in federal loans among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed and an admission rate of 91%. |
| 67 | St Olaf College · Northfield, MN | $57,869 | $23,874 | $10,404 | 48.3% |
|  | [St Olaf College](/school/st-olaf-college/majors/) [ranks 978th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/st-olaf-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $57,869 four years after completing. |
| 68 | Bradley University · Peoria, IL | $57,832 | $22,719 | $17,269 | 76.8% |
|  | [Bradley University](/school/bradley-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $57,832](/school/bradley-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $17,269 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 69 | Iowa State University · Ames, IA | $57,752 | $18,589 | $10,582 | 88.7% |
|  | [Iowa State University](/school/iowa-state-university/majors/) [admits 89% of applicants](/school/iowa-state-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $57,752 four years after completing, with a cohort of 65 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 70 | Youngstown State University · Youngstown, OH | $57,643 | $12,767 | $9,328 | 84.5% |
|  | [Youngstown State University](/school/youngstown-state-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $12,767](/school/youngstown-state-university/cost/) and shows a median of $22,798 in federal loans among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 71 | John Carroll University · University Heights, OH | $57,377 | $28,746 | $19,945 | 80.9% |
|  | John Carroll University ranks 1022nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $57,377 four years after completing. |
| 72 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse · La Crosse, WI | $57,256 | $16,210 | $8,224 | 75.5% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-La Crosse](/school/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse/majors/) reports [median earnings of $57,256](/school/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $8,224 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 73 | Ashland University · Ashland, OH | $57,165 | $21,988 | $16,489 | 76.4% |
|  | [Ashland University](/school/ashland-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $57,165](/school/ashland-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 15 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 74 | Capital University · Columbus, OH | $56,686 | $22,576 | $19,062 | 70.2% |
|  | [Capital University](/school/capital-university/majors/) [admits 70% of applicants](/school/capital-university/admissions/) and carries a median federal debt of $25,218 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 75 | Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $56,560 | $11,668 | $5,701 | 76.4% |
|  | A public university in Indianapolis, [Indiana University-Indianapolis](/school/indiana-university-indianapolis/majors/) [ranks 139th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/indiana-university-indianapolis/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 76 | Wright State University-Main Campus · Dayton, OH | $56,423 | $15,415 | $11,952 | 96.3% |
|  | [Wright State University-Main Campus](/school/wright-state-university-main-campus/majors/) posts an [average net price of $15,415](/school/wright-state-university-main-campus/cost/) and its Political Science and Government graduates earned a median of $56,423 four years after completing. |
| 77 | Valparaiso University · Valparaiso, IN | $56,054 | $18,578 | $11,043 | 89.4% |
|  | [Valparaiso University](/school/valparaiso-university/majors/) ranks 77th on this list, with [median federal debt of $27,000](/school/valparaiso-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 78 | Lindenwood University · Saint Charles, MO | $55,869 | $19,638 | $15,678 | 56.8% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [Lindenwood University](/school/lindenwood-university/majors/) with a [median of $26,000](/school/lindenwood-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Political Science and Government graduates earned a median of $55,869 four years after completing. |
| 79 | Augsburg University · Minneapolis, MN | $55,676 | $23,873 | $21,318 | 82.0% |
|  | [Augsburg University](/school/augsburg-university/majors/) has an [admission rate of 82%](/school/augsburg-university/admissions/) and an average net price of $21,318 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 80 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL | $55,544 | $13,297 | $9,415 | 86.9% |
|  | [Southern Illinois University-Carbondale](/school/southern-illinois-university-carbondale/majors/) reports [median earnings of $55,544](/school/southern-illinois-university-carbondale/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, from a cohort of 25. |
| 81 | Augustana College · Rock Island, IL | $55,295 | $22,736 | $15,787 | 62.7% |
|  | [Augustana College](/school/augustana-college/majors/) carries a [median federal debt of $27,000](/school/augustana-college/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed and ranks 1049th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 82 | Winona State University · Winona, MN | $55,027 | $17,503 | $10,224 | 75.5% |
|  | [Winona State University](/school/winona-state-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $10,224](/school/winona-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and its Political Science and Government graduates earned a median of $55,027 four years after completing. |
| 83 | Wichita State University · Wichita, KS | $54,874 | $13,194 | $9,734 | 94.0% |
|  | [Wichita State University](/school/wichita-state-university/majors/) [admits 94% of applicants](/school/wichita-state-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $54,874 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 84 | Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI | $54,840 | $15,273 | $5,263 | 84.6% |
|  | [Western Michigan University](/school/western-michigan-university/majors/) ranks 84th on this list, with an [average net price of $5,263](/school/western-michigan-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 85 | Baldwin Wallace University · Berea, OH | $54,410 | $27,603 | $21,296 | 75.7% |
|  | [Baldwin Wallace University](/school/baldwin-wallace-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $54,410](/school/baldwin-wallace-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $27,603. |
| 86 | Knox College · Galesburg, IL | $54,341 | $24,595 | $17,134 | 70.8% |
|  | Knox College admits 71% of applicants and carries a median federal debt of $25,553 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 87 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI | $54,074 | $14,158 | $8,440 | 85.7% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Whitewater](/school/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater/majors/) [ranks 385th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows an average net price of $14,158. |
| 88 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | $54,039 | $13,391 | $10,126 | 69.8% |
|  | [Northern Illinois University](/school/northern-illinois-university/majors/), a public university in Dekalb, posts [median earnings of $54,039](/school/northern-illinois-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 89 | University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $53,579 | $21,602 | $15,346 | 66.5% |
|  | [University of Indianapolis](/school/university-of-indianapolis/majors/) carries an [average net price of $21,602](/school/university-of-indianapolis/cost/) while its Political Science and Government completers who borrowed left with a median of $25,963 in federal loans. |
| 90 | Luther College · Decorah, IA | $53,510 | $23,097 | $12,517 | 71.5% |
|  | Luther College ranks 90th on this list, with median earnings of $53,510 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 91 | Hamline University · Saint Paul, MN | $53,252 | $20,744 | $15,371 | 87.6% |
|  | [Hamline University](/school/hamline-university/majors/) reports a [median federal debt of $19,500](/school/hamline-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed and an admission rate of 88%. |
| 92 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus · Fargo, ND | $52,834 | $15,543 | $9,370 | 95.0% |
|  | [North Dakota State University-Main Campus](/school/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/majors/) shows an [average net price of $9,370](/school/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $52,834 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 93 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL | $52,564 | $14,889 | $8,483 | 97.5% |
|  | [Southern Illinois University Edwardsville](/school/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville/majors/) [ranks 246th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 98% of applicants. |
| 94 | Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH | $52,423 | $20,787 | $15,280 | 86.3% |
|  | [Kent State University at Kent](/school/kent-state-university-at-kent/majors/) reports [median earnings of $52,423](/school/kent-state-university-at-kent/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 49 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 95 | University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NE | $52,331 | $13,441 | $10,534 | 87.0% |
|  | [University of Nebraska at Omaha](/school/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha/majors/) carries an [average net price of $13,441](/school/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha/cost/) and a median federal debt of $20,250 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 96 | Creighton University · Omaha, NE | $51,993 | $31,568 | $20,472 | 79.8% |
|  | [Creighton University](/school/creighton-university/majors/) ranks 96th on this list and posts [median earnings of $51,993](/school/creighton-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 97 | University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO | $51,417 | $13,310 | $10,576 | 72.2% |
|  | [University of Missouri-Kansas City](/school/university-of-missouri-kansas-city/majors/) reports [$51,417 in median earnings](/school/university-of-missouri-kansas-city/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, and ranks 262nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 98 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI | $51,320 | $15,014 | $10,329 | 90.7% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 91%](/school/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee/admissions/), [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee](/school/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee/majors/) posts median earnings of $51,320 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 99 | Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti, MI | $51,261 | $15,407 | $13,250 | 79.6% |
|  | [Eastern Michigan University](/school/eastern-michigan-university/majors/) shows a [median federal debt of $26,125](/school/eastern-michigan-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, alongside median earnings of $51,261 four years after completing. |
| 100 | Oakland University · Rochester Hills, MI | $51,129 | $9,120 | $4,422 | 87.8% |
|  | [Oakland University](/school/oakland-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $9,120,](/school/oakland-university/cost/) and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $51,129 four years after completing. |
| 101 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $50,963 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 71.2% |
|  | [Western Illinois University](/school/western-illinois-university/majors/) [ranks 561st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/western-illinois-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $50,963 four years after completing. |
| 102 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point · Stevens Point, WI | $50,872 | $14,559 | $8,833 | 91.8% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point](/school/university-of-wisconsin-stevens-point/majors/) [admits 92% of applicants](/school/university-of-wisconsin-stevens-point/admissions/), and its Political Science and Government graduates carry a median federal debt of $20,537 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 103 | Northern Michigan University · Marquette, MI | $50,520 | $14,085 | $7,697 | 84.0% |
|  | [Northern Michigan University](/school/northern-michigan-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,520](/school/northern-michigan-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $7,697 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 104 | Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI | $50,462 | $17,597 | $12,185 | 89.8% |
|  | [Central Michigan University](/school/central-michigan-university/majors/) ranks 104th on this list, and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a [median of $50,462](/school/central-michigan-university/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 105 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI | $50,316 | $16,550 | $10,270 | 82.3% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire](/school/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire/majors/) shows a [median federal debt of $19,780](/school/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, and ranks 453rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 106 | University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA | $50,277 | $15,901 | $10,863 | 92.7% |
|  | An [average net price of $15,901](/school/university-of-northern-iowa/cost/) accompanies median earnings of $50,277 for Political Science and Government graduates of [University of Northern Iowa](/school/university-of-northern-iowa/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 107 | Lawrence University · Appleton, WI | $50,021 | $23,401 | $10,419 | 63.9% |
|  | Lawrence University reports median earnings of $50,021 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with a school-wide median federal debt of $26,000 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 108 | Cleveland State University · Cleveland, OH | $49,647 | $14,764 | $11,958 | 91.3% |
|  | [Cleveland State University](/school/cleveland-state-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $14,764,](/school/cleveland-state-university/cost/) and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $49,647 four years after completing. |
| 109 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay · Green Bay, WI | $49,349 | $13,369 | $9,144 | 88.6% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Green Bay](/school/university-of-wisconsin-green-bay/majors/) reports [$49,349 in median earnings](/school/university-of-wisconsin-green-bay/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $13,369. |
| 110 | University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH | $48,987 | $13,946 | $10,413 | 59.7% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 60%](/school/university-of-akron-main-campus/admissions/), [University of Akron Main Campus](/school/university-of-akron-main-campus/majors/) reports a median federal debt of $25,408 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 111 | Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI | $48,896 | $16,317 | $12,272 | 83.0% |
|  | [Grand Valley State University](/school/grand-valley-state-university/majors/) [ranks 210th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/grand-valley-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earned a median of $48,896. |
| 112 | University of Toledo · Toledo, OH | $48,320 | $17,249 | $13,524 | 92.0% |
|  | [University of Toledo](/school/university-of-toledo/majors/) posts an [average net price of $13,524](/school/university-of-toledo/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, with a Political Science and Government earnings cohort of 24 graduates. |
| 113 | Saint Cloud State University · Saint Cloud, MN | $48,305 | $13,529 | $8,909 | 94.8% |
|  | [Saint Cloud State University](/school/saint-cloud-state-university/majors/) shows a [median of $20,375](/school/saint-cloud-state-university/outcomes/) in federal debt among its Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, and its admission rate is 95%. |
| 114 | Concordia College at Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $48,014 | $24,902 | $20,950 | 62.7% |
|  | [Concordia College at Moorhead](/school/concordia-college-at-moorhead/majors/), a private nonprofit institution in Moorhead, reports [median earnings of $48,014](/school/concordia-college-at-moorhead/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 115 | Wittenberg University · Springfield, OH | $46,577 | $18,649 | $17,609 | 72.4% |
|  | Wittenberg University has an average net price of $18,649 and a school-wide median federal debt of $27,000 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 116 | Kalamazoo College · Kalamazoo, MI | $45,265 | $19,072 | $12,019 | 75.3% |
|  | Kalamazoo College ranks 116th on this list, with Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earning a median of $45,265. |
| 117 | University of Minnesota-Morris · Morris, MN | $41,193 | $8,837 | $1,694 | 74.9% |
|  | University of Minnesota-Morris posts an average net price of $1,694 for families earning under $30,000, and its admission rate is 75%. |
| 118 | Northwest Missouri State University · Maryville, MO | $39,741 | $16,244 | $13,176 | 86.1% |
|  | [Northwest Missouri State University](/school/northwest-missouri-state-university/majors/) reports [$39,741 in median earnings](/school/northwest-missouri-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, and ranks 754th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 119 | Hanover College · Hanover, IN | $38,313 | $21,829 | $16,832 | 83.7% |
|  | Hanover College admits 84% of applicants, and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earned a median of $38,313. |
| 120 | Denison University · Granville, OH | $37,208 | $40,007 | $16,656 | 17.4% |
|  | [Denison University](/school/denison-university/majors/) has an [average net price of $40,007](/school/denison-university/cost/) and an admission rate of 17%, with 28 graduates in its Political Science and Government earnings cohort. |
| 121 | Illinois Wesleyan University · Bloomington, IL | $36,141 | $28,199 | $17,732 | 39.3% |
|  | Illinois Wesleyan University reports median earnings of $36,141 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 13 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 122 | Calvin University · Grand Rapids, MI | $33,993 | $22,992 | $19,281 | 70.9% |
|  | [Calvin University](/school/calvin-university/majors/) [admits 71% of applicants](/school/calvin-university/admissions/) and posts an average net price of $22,992. |
| 123 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville · Platteville, WI | $32,569 | $16,032 | $9,009 | 89.4% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Platteville](/school/university-of-wisconsin-platteville/majors/) ranks 123rd on this list and shows an [average net price of $9,009](/school/university-of-wisconsin-platteville/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 124 | Saginaw Valley State University · University Center, MI | $31,314 | $10,775 | $9,844 | 72.1% |
|  | [Saginaw Valley State University](/school/saginaw-valley-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $31,314](/school/saginaw-valley-state-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $10,775. |
| 125 | Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $30,984 | $17,997 | $11,129 | 58.8% |
|  | [Minnesota State University Moorhead](/school/minnesota-state-university-moorhead/majors/) [ranks 715th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/minnesota-state-university-moorhead/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports 20 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 126 | Webster University · Saint Louis, MO | $30,931 | $27,047 | $22,359 | 86.2% |
|  | [Webster University](/school/webster-university/majors/) [admits 86% of applicants](/school/webster-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $30,931 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 127 | Ohio Wesleyan University · Delaware, OH | $30,409 | $20,897 | $15,412 | 55.6% |
|  | Ohio Wesleyan University ranks 127th on this list, with an average net price of $15,412 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 128 | Indiana University-South Bend · South Bend, IN | $29,685 | $8,653 | $4,637 | 83.8% |
|  | [Indiana University-South Bend](/school/indiana-university-south-bend/majors/) reports [median earnings of $29,685](/school/indiana-university-south-bend/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 9 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 129 | Beloit College · Beloit, WI | $25,658 | $21,526 | $15,176 | 63.0% |
|  | [Beloit College](/school/beloit-college/majors/) [ranks 1102nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/beloit-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts an average net price of $21,526. |

\* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.

## How this list is ordered

Programs are ordered by the median earnings of their Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only programs with a reported earnings cohort in the Midwest appear. The figure is the median earnings of federally aided Political Science and Government graduates who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 13 of the 129 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The gap between University of Notre Dame and Washington University in St Louis is $3,519, and the spread from the top of the list to the bottom is $68,639.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-colleges-in-the-midwest/)
-   [Best Social Sciences Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-social-sciences-colleges-in-the-midwest/)