Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in District of Columbia

The capital's political science programs span an unusual $35,686 net cost gap between Trinity Washington University at $12,233 and Howard University at $47,919. Georgetown graduates command the highest earnings at $52,524 annually, reflecting the school's deep connections to federal agencies and lobbying firms that drive Washington's $180 billion government sector. Public option University of the District of Columbia offers solid value with a $14,693 net price and $42,682 graduate earnings, while private schools dominate the market with varying return profiles.

Programs

$12,233 – $47,919

Net Price Range

$42,863

Avg. Program Earnings

65.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia	$14,693	$42,682	$6,152	26.3%
2	Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia	$39,433	$52,524	$65,081	94.3%	12.2%
3	George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$37,454	$47,142	$64,990	85.2%	49.0%
4	The Catholic University of America Washington, District of Columbia	$32,798	$35,891	$55,834	81.3%	85.6%
5	American University Washington, District of Columbia	$41,945	$45,655	$56,543	78.5%	40.6%
6	Howard University Washington, District of Columbia	$47,919	$33,281	$33,344	68.9%	53.4%
7	Gallaudet University Washington, District of Columbia	$14,085		$18,382	46.6%	59.2%
8	Trinity Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$12,233		$26,110	44.4%	97.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earning gaps between DC political science programs?

Georgetown graduates earn $52,524 compared to Howard's $33,281, largely due to alumni networks in federal government and K Street consulting firms. Schools with stronger Capitol Hill internship pipelines typically produce higher-earning graduates who secure positions in congressional offices, think tanks, and lobbying organizations.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in DC?

Georgetown's 94.30% graduation rate justifies its premium positioning, while more affordable options show mixed results. Trinity Washington's 44.40% rate at $12,233 net cost contrasts sharply with Catholic University's 81.30% rate at $32,798, suggesting cost alone doesn't determine completion success.

Is the University of the District of Columbia competitive with private alternatives?

UDC delivers strong value with $42,682 graduate earnings at just $14,693 net cost, though its 26.30% graduation rate lags private competitors. The public option provides affordable access to federal internships and government career paths without the debt burden of private institutions.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.