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

# Top Political Science and Government Programs in the West

Updated September 30, 2026

This page ranks the 96 Political Science and Government programs in the West by median earnings of Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) leads the list at $93,518, followed by [Brigham Young University](/school/brigham-young-university/majors/) at $83,209 and [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/majors/) at $81,843.

Across the listed schools, median earnings range from $93,518 to $16,478, with a median of $61,502.

Public institutions account for 61 of the 96 programs, and private nonprofits for 35. University of California-San Diego ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions.

California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price on the page, at $3,967.

## The ranked list

96 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Santa Clara University · Santa Clara, CA | $93,518 | $50,062 | $22,985 | 48.0% |
|  | [Santa Clara University](/school/santa-clara-university/majors/) reports [$93,518 in median earnings](/school/santa-clara-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 48%. |
| 2 | Brigham Young University · Provo, UT | $83,209 | $15,564 | $10,444 | 67.8% |
|  | [Brigham Young University](/school/brigham-young-university/majors/) ranks 2nd on this list and carries a [median federal debt of $10,646](/school/brigham-young-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 3 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA | $81,843 | $16,665 | $7,529 | 31.3% |
|  | With an [average net price of $16,665,](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/cost/) [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/school/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/majors/) posts median earnings of $81,843 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 4 | Pepperdine University · Malibu, CA | $75,954 | $58,098 | $50,560 | 62.9% |
|  | [Pepperdine University](/school/pepperdine-university/majors/) ranks 4th on this list and shows an [average net price of $50,560](/school/pepperdine-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 5 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $75,128 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% |
|  | [University of California-Berkeley](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/majors/) [admits 11% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/admissions/) and reports $75,128 in median earnings for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 6 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $75,090 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% |
|  | Ranking 92nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) reports [median earnings of $75,090](/school/university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 7 | Gonzaga University · Spokane, WA | $74,303 | $35,119 | $20,833 | 81.7% |
|  | Gonzaga University reports median federal debt of $21,494 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, and its graduates four years after completing earn a median of $74,303. |
| 8 | University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $74,202 | $12,548 | $5,579 | 9.0% |
|  | [University of California-Los Angeles](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/majors/) posts [median earnings of $74,202](/school/university-of-california-los-angeles/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $5,579 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 9 | Claremont McKenna College · Claremont, CA | $73,826 | $28,849 | $15,308 | 9.6% |
|  | [Claremont McKenna College](/school/claremont-mckenna-college/majors/) carries a [median federal debt of $13,500](/school/claremont-mckenna-college/cost/) across all of the school's borrowers who completed, and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earn a median of $73,826. |
| 10 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle, WA | $72,487 | $14,091 | $6,384 | 39.2% |
|  | [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](/school/university-of-washington-seattle-campus/majors/) ranks 10th on this list and reports [$72,487 in median earnings](/school/university-of-washington-seattle-campus/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 11 | Occidental College · Los Angeles, CA | $72,441 | $38,263 | $20,705 | 44.2% |
|  | Occidental College admits 44% of applicants and shows an average net price of $20,705 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 12 | Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles, CA | $72,375 | $48,381 | $32,268 | 45.1% |
|  | [Loyola Marymount University](/school/loyola-marymount-university/majors/) reports [median federal debt of $20,500](/school/loyola-marymount-university/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, alongside median earnings of $72,375 four years after completing. |
| 13 | University of San Francisco · San Francisco, CA | $72,263 | $41,431 | $31,537 | 61.7% |
|  | [University of San Francisco](/school/university-of-san-francisco/majors/), a private nonprofit university in San Francisco, reports [median earnings of $72,263](/school/university-of-san-francisco/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $41,431. |
| 14 | California State University-East Bay · Hayward, CA | $71,022 | $9,320 | $6,360 | 97.4% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 97%](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/admissions/), [California State University-East Bay](/school/california-state-university-east-bay/majors/) ranks 14th on this list and posts median earnings of $71,022 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 15 | University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, CA | $70,384 | $16,109 | $9,231 | 33.0% |
|  | [University of California-Santa Barbara](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/majors/) shows [median federal debt of $15,033](/school/university-of-california-santa-barbara/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, while its graduates four years after completing earn a median of $70,384. |
| 16 | University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder, CO | $69,651 | $25,346 | $14,231 | 78.1% |
|  | Ranking 174th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [University of Colorado Boulder](/school/university-of-colorado-boulder/majors/) reports [median earnings of $69,651](/school/university-of-colorado-boulder/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 17 | Pacific Lutheran University · Tacoma, WA | $69,366 | $19,589 | $13,609 | 78.0% |
|  | Pacific Lutheran University, a private nonprofit university in Tacoma, posts an average net price of $19,589 and median earnings of $69,366 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 18 | Chapman University · Orange, CA | $68,856 | $46,555 | $33,559 | 65.4% |
|  | [Chapman University](/school/chapman-university/majors/) [admits 65% of applicants](/school/chapman-university/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $68,856 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 75 graduates. |
| 19 | Pitzer College · Claremont, CA | $68,831 | $34,191 | $14,535 | 25.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a median of $16,750 in federal loans at Pitzer College, which ranks 19th on this list with median earnings of $68,831 for its Political Science and Government graduates. |
| 20 | University of Utah · Salt Lake City, UT | $68,490 | $16,200 | $13,123 | 86.0% |
|  | [University of Utah](/school/university-of-utah/majors/) reports an [average net price of $16,200](/school/university-of-utah/cost/) and median earnings of $68,490 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with 147 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 21 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins, CO | $67,873 | $21,279 | $13,259 | 88.5% |
|  | Ranking 200th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [Colorado State University-Fort Collins](/school/colorado-state-university-fort-collins/majors/) posts [median earnings of $67,873](/school/colorado-state-university-fort-collins/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 22 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $67,759 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 42%](/school/university-of-california-davis/admissions/), [University of California-Davis](/school/university-of-california-davis/majors/) reports median federal debt of $13,687 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed and median earnings of $67,759 four years after completing. |
| 23 | University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA | $67,713 | $12,470 | $7,525 | 26.7% |
|  | [University of California-San Diego](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/majors/) [ranks 1st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-california-san-diego/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $67,713 four years after completing. |
| 24 | Washington State University · Pullman, WA | $67,264 | $14,971 | $7,074 | 86.6% |
|  | [Washington State University](/school/washington-state-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $14,971](/school/washington-state-university/cost/) and median earnings of $67,264 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 87 graduates. |
| 25 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe, AZ | $66,527 | $14,967 | $9,070 | 89.9% |
|  | [Arizona State University Campus Immersion](/school/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion/majors/) reports [median earnings of $66,527](/school/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $14,967. |
| 26 | University of Denver · Denver, CO | $66,288 | $36,131 | $20,097 | 77.8% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Denver, University of Denver ranks 26th on this list and shows a median of $21,500 in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 27 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | $65,890 | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% |
|  | [University of California-Santa Cruz](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/majors/) [admits 66% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $65,890 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 28 | University of Northern Colorado · Greeley, CO | $65,783 | $17,760 | $12,695 | 85.9% |
|  | With an average net price of $12,695 for families earning under $30,000, University of Northern Colorado ranks 28th on this list. |
| 29 | Biola University · La Mirada, CA | $65,558 | $31,495 | $27,144 | 74.4% |
|  | [Biola University](/school/biola-university/majors/) [ranks 1161st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/biola-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $65,558 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 30 | Sonoma State University · Rohnert Park, CA | $65,009 | $12,885 | $8,310 | 93.4% |
|  | [Sonoma State University](/school/sonoma-state-university/majors/) shows a [median of $15,000](/school/sonoma-state-university/outcomes/) in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, and its graduates four years after completing earn a median of $65,009. |
| 31 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $64,824 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% |
|  | Ranking 31st on this list, [San Diego State University](/school/san-diego-state-university/majors/) reports an [admission rate of 36%](/school/san-diego-state-university/admissions/) and median earnings of $64,824 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 32 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $64,605 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% |
|  | [California Baptist University](/school/california-baptist-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $22,298](/school/california-baptist-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a median of $25,000 in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 33 | Central Washington University · Ellensburg, WA | $64,361 | $18,476 | $11,846 | 90.6% |
|  | [Central Washington University](/school/central-washington-university/majors/) [ranks 339th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/central-washington-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earn a median of $64,361. |
| 34 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | $64,353 | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Redlands, [University of Redlands](/school/university-of-redlands/majors/) reports [median earnings of $64,353](/school/university-of-redlands/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 35 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs, CO | $63,538 | $15,788 | $12,065 | 97.4% |
|  | [University of Colorado Colorado Springs](/school/university-of-colorado-colorado-springs/majors/) [admits 97% of applicants](/school/university-of-colorado-colorado-springs/admissions/) and shows a median of $16,875 in federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 36 | Seattle University · Seattle, WA | $63,443 | $34,662 | $22,896 | 76.9% |
|  | Seattle University ranks 36th on this list, with an average net price of $34,662 and median earnings of $63,443 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 37 | Willamette University · Salem, OR | $63,407 | $25,121 | $16,182 | 77.1% |
|  | Willamette University ranks 37th on this list, with median earnings of $63,407 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 38 | Oregon State University · Corvallis, OR | $63,354 | $19,604 | $12,107 | 77.3% |
|  | A public university in Corvallis, [Oregon State University](/school/oregon-state-university/majors/) posts an [admission rate of 77%](/school/oregon-state-university/admissions/) and median earnings of $63,354 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 39 | University of California-Irvine · Irvine, CA | $63,318 | $14,251 | $8,123 | 28.6% |
|  | [University of California-Irvine](/school/university-of-california-irvine/majors/) reports an [average net price of $14,251](/school/university-of-california-irvine/cost/) and median earnings of $63,318 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 40 | University of La Verne · La Verne, CA | $63,107 | $20,161 | $20,151 | 71.2% |
|  | Median federal debt among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed is $22,000 at [University of La Verne](/school/university-of-la-verne/majors/), which reports [median earnings of $63,107](/school/university-of-la-verne/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 41 | Seattle Pacific University · Seattle, WA | $62,972 | $24,488 | $20,735 | 83.4% |
|  | Seattle Pacific University ranks 41st on this list and reports an average net price of $20,735 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 42 | University of California-Merced · Merced, CA | $62,815 | $11,983 | $7,945 | 90.5% |
|  | [University of California-Merced](/school/university-of-california-merced/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/university-of-california-merced/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $62,815 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 43 | Saint Mary's College of California · Moraga, CA | $62,651 | $30,378 | $19,462 | 86.5% |
|  | Saint Mary's College of California ranks 939th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $62,651 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 44 | University of Oregon · Eugene, OR | $62,408 | $22,182 | $15,909 | 88.3% |
|  | [University of Oregon](/school/university-of-oregon/majors/) reports [median federal debt of $19,500](/school/university-of-oregon/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, alongside an admission rate of 88%. |
| 45 | University of San Diego · San Diego, CA | $62,301 | $30,365 | $15,586 | 52.4% |
|  | With [median earnings of $62,301](/school/university-of-san-diego/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, [University of San Diego](/school/university-of-san-diego/majors/) ranks 45th on this list. |
| 46 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $62,298 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% |
|  | [California State University-Fresno](/school/california-state-university-fresno/majors/) reports an [average net price of $7,000](/school/california-state-university-fresno/cost/) and median earnings of $62,298 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 47 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $61,915 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% |
|  | [San Francisco State University](/school/san-francisco-state-university/majors/) [admits 96% of applicants](/school/san-francisco-state-university/admissions/) and reports median federal debt of $16,200 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 48 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona · Pomona, CA | $61,712 | $11,531 | $7,851 | 75.2% |
|  | [California State Polytechnic University-Pomona](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/majors/) [ranks 15th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $61,712 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 49 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $61,293 | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% |
|  | A public university in Chico, [California State University-Chico](/school/california-state-university-chico/majors/) reports [median earnings of $61,293](/school/california-state-university-chico/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 50 | Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver, CO | $60,639 | $15,327 | $12,481 | 98.8% |
|  | Among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, [Metropolitan State University of Denver](/school/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver/majors/) records a [median federal debt of $21,000,](/school/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver/cost/) alongside median earnings of $60,639 four years after completing. |
| 51 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $60,278 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% |
|  | Median earnings of $60,278 for [California State University-Sacramento](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/majors/)'s Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing sit below the list [median of $61,502](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/outcomes/). |
| 52 | California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks, CA | $60,243 | $30,109 | $22,161 | 75.7% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Thousand Oaks, [California Lutheran University](/school/california-lutheran-university/majors/) [admits 76% of applicants](/school/california-lutheran-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $30,109. |
| 53 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $59,787 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% |
|  | [California State University-Long Beach](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/majors/) posts [median earnings of $59,787](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $10,440. |
| 54 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | $59,558 | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% |
|  | At [California State University-Dominguez Hills](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/majors/), [median federal debt of $11,093](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed coincides with median earnings of $59,558 four years after completing. |
| 55 | Portland State University · Portland, OR | $59,185 | $9,552 | $7,655 | 90.9% |
|  | [Portland State University](/school/portland-state-university/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/portland-state-university/admissions/), and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earned a median of $59,185. |
| 56 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas · Las Vegas, NV | $58,855 | $10,359 | $8,526 | 96.2% |
|  | With [median federal debt of $19,500](/school/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, [University of Nevada-Las Vegas](/school/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/majors/) reports median earnings of $58,855 four years after completing. |
| 57 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver, CO | $58,854 | $11,900 | $6,743 | 74.7% |
|  | [University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus](/school/university-of-colorado-denveranschutz-medical-campus/majors/) [ranks 130th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-colorado-denveranschutz-medical-campus/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $58,854 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 58 | Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff, AZ | $58,571 | $14,158 | $9,709 | 89.6% |
|  | Admitting 90% of applicants, [Northern Arizona University](/school/northern-arizona-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $58,571](/school/northern-arizona-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 59 | California State University-Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA | $58,306 | $9,849 | $6,857 | 94.8% |
|  | An [average net price of $9,849](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/cost/) at [California State University-Channel Islands](/school/california-state-university-channel-islands/majors/) accompanies median earnings of $58,306 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 60 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $57,527 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% |
|  | For families earning under $30,000, [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) offers an [average net price of $4,905,](/school/california-state-university-northridge/cost/) and its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing earned a median of $57,527. |
| 61 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | $56,740 | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% |
|  | [University of California-Riverside](/school/university-of-california-riverside/majors/) reports [$56,740 in median earnings](/school/university-of-california-riverside/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $14,304. |
| 62 | University of Arizona · Tucson, AZ | $56,585 | $16,674 | $13,353 | 86.1% |
|  | With a [median federal debt of $20,500](/school/university-of-arizona/cost/) among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed, [University of Arizona](/school/university-of-arizona/majors/) ranks 62nd on this list. |
| 63 | California State University-Stanislaus · Turlock, CA | $56,330 | $6,067 | $3,938 | 98.1% |
|  | [California State University-Stanislaus](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/majors/) [admits 98% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-stanislaus/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $56,330 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 64 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $56,063 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% |
|  | Ranking 3rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [California State University-Los Angeles](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/majors/) shows an [average net price of $3,967](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/cost/). |
| 65 | Whittier College · Whittier, CA | $55,853 | $25,757 | $21,718 | 80.8% |
|  | Whittier College, a private nonprofit university in Whittier, carries a median federal debt of $24,937 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 66 | University of Nevada-Reno · Reno, NV | $55,483 | $15,927 | $12,674 | 73.7% |
|  | [University of Nevada-Reno](/school/university-of-nevada-reno/majors/) reports [$55,483 in median earnings](/school/university-of-nevada-reno/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 74%. |
| 67 | Boise State University · Boise, ID | $55,478 | $21,610 | $18,165 | 87.2% |
|  | Ranking 67th on this list, [Boise State University](/school/boise-state-university/majors/) shows an [average net price of $21,610](/school/boise-state-university/cost/) and a median federal debt of $20,600 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 68 | University of Hawaii at Manoa · Honolulu, HI | $55,177 | $15,664 | $10,675 | 86.6% |
|  | [University of Hawaii at Manoa](/school/university-of-hawaii-at-manoa/majors/) posts [median earnings of $55,177](/school/university-of-hawaii-at-manoa/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing and ranks 258th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 69 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | $53,966 | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% |
|  | With an [average net price of $6,555,](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/cost/) [California State University-Fullerton](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/majors/) reports $53,966 in median earnings for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 70 | Eastern Washington University · Cheney, WA | $53,502 | $13,886 | $9,547 | 90.8% |
|  | [Eastern Washington University](/school/eastern-washington-university/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/eastern-washington-university/admissions/) and carries a median federal debt of $15,513 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 71 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $53,378 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% |
|  | Ranking 43rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [California State University-San Bernardino](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/majors/) shows an [average net price of $4,564](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/cost/). |
| 72 | University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque, NM | $52,569 | $15,489 | $11,938 | 95.2% |
|  | [University of New Mexico-Main Campus](/school/university-of-new-mexico-main-campus/majors/) reports [$52,569 in median earnings](/school/university-of-new-mexico-main-campus/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 95%. |
| 73 | University of Puget Sound · Tacoma, WA | $52,278 | $38,394 | $23,643 | 72.3% |
|  | Alongside an average net price of $23,643 for families earning under $30,000, University of Puget Sound reports median earnings of $52,278 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 74 | University of Wyoming · Laramie, WY | $52,096 | $13,599 | $7,977 | 96.9% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 97%](/school/university-of-wyoming/admissions/), [University of Wyoming](/school/university-of-wyoming/majors/) shows median earnings of $52,096 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 75 | California State University-Bakersfield · Bakersfield, CA | $51,882 | $5,652 | $3,536 | 93.9% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [California State University-Bakersfield](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/majors/) with a [median of $16,600](/school/california-state-university-bakersfield/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Political Science and Government completers earn a median of $51,882 four years after graduating. |
| 76 | Whitman College · Walla Walla, WA | $51,740 | $33,313 | $13,567 | 38.2% |
|  | Whitman College ranks 76th on this list and shows median federal debt of $16,750 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed. |
| 77 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus · Las Cruces, NM | $51,641 | $8,889 | $6,648 | 89.0% |
|  | [New Mexico State University-Main Campus](/school/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/majors/) posts an [average net price of $8,889](/school/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/cost/) and median earnings of $51,641 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 78 | Montana State University · Bozeman, MT | $51,285 | $22,499 | $17,797 | 82.1% |
|  | Montana State University's Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $51,285 four years after completing, and the school carries an average net price of $17,797 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 79 | California State University-San Marcos · San Marcos, CA | $50,857 | $10,229 | $6,230 | 95.1% |
|  | [California State University-San Marcos](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/majors/) [ranks 59th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-san-marcos/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $50,857 four years after completing. |
| 80 | University of the Pacific · Stockton, CA | $50,827 | $25,447 | $17,004 | 71.3% |
|  | [University of the Pacific](/school/university-of-the-pacific/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,827](/school/university-of-the-pacific/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with a school-wide median federal debt of $19,500 across all borrowers who completed. |
| 81 | University of Idaho · Moscow, ID | $50,593 | $14,831 | $11,270 | 75.5% |
|  | An [admission rate of 76%](/school/university-of-idaho/admissions/) coincides with median federal debt of $21,571 among Political Science and Government completers who borrowed at [University of Idaho](/school/university-of-idaho/majors/). |
| 82 | Idaho State University · Pocatello, ID | $50,233 | $12,193 | $10,593 | Not reported |
|  | Idaho State University's Political Science and Government graduates earn a median of $50,233 four years after completing, and the school posts an average net price of $12,193. |
| 83 | Western Washington University · Bellingham, WA | $49,640 | $21,193 | $12,915 | 93.3% |
|  | [Western Washington University](/school/western-washington-university/majors/) ranks 83rd on this list, with [median earnings of $49,640](/school/western-washington-university/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 84 | The University of Montana · Missoula, MT | $47,341 | $16,784 | $13,960 | 95.9% |
|  | The University of Montana reports an average net price of $13,960 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $47,341 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 85 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | $41,994 | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% |
|  | [California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/majors/) reports [median earnings of $41,994](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/outcomes/) for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $13,171. |
| 86 | Stanford University · Stanford, CA | $39,927 | $13,807 | \-$2,536\* | 3.6% |
|  | [Stanford University](/school/stanford-university/majors/) [admits 4% of applicants](/school/stanford-university/admissions/) and ranks 28th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 87 | Colorado College · Colorado Springs, CO | $37,568 | $33,375 | $9,217 | 18.5% |
|  | An average net price of $9,217 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with Colorado College's Political Science and Government earnings of $37,568 four years after completing. |
| 88 | Pacific University · Forest Grove, OR | $37,208 | $35,273 | $23,318 | 89.6% |
|  | Pacific University ranks 88th on this list and shows an average net price of $35,273. |
| 89 | Lewis & Clark College · Portland, OR | $36,848 | $36,013 | $15,962 | 78.5% |
|  | Lewis & Clark College reports $36,848 in median earnings for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 78%. |
| 90 | William Jessup University · Rocklin, CA | $31,314 | $28,062 | $23,123 | 93.3% |
|  | William Jessup University posts an average net price of $23,123 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 1295th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 91 | Fort Lewis College · Durango, CO | $30,409 | $17,296 | $18,622 | 77.3% |
|  | Fort Lewis College admits 77% of applicants and reports median earnings of $30,409 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing. |
| 92 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $26,739 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% |
|  | [San Jose State University](/school/san-jose-state-university/majors/) [ranks 23rd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/san-jose-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with an average net price of $13,760. |
| 93 | Saint Martin's University · Lacey, WA | $26,121 | $28,119 | $22,810 | 89.8% |
|  | Saint Martin's University reports $26,121 in median earnings for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $22,810 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 94 | Whitworth University · Spokane, WA | $25,194 | $26,534 | $16,788 | 89.8% |
|  | Whitworth University admits 90% of applicants and ranks 1122nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 95 | University of Portland · Portland, OR | $22,999 | $28,210 | $20,070 | 89.2% |
|  | University of Portland reports median earnings of $22,999 for its Political Science and Government graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $28,210. |
| 96 | University of Hawaii at Hilo · Hilo, HI | $16,478 | $11,856 | $8,983 | 60.6% |
|  | With an average net price of $8,983 for families earning under $30,000, University of Hawaii at Hilo ranks 96th on this list. |

\* 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 West appear. The figure is the median earnings of federally aided completers of the program who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 11 of the 96 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 Santa Clara University and Brigham Young University is $10,309, and the spread from the top of the list to the bottom is $77,040.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Colleges in the West](/rankings/best-colleges-in-the-west/)
-   Social Sciences Colleges in the West