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Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's political science programs reveal dramatic cost differences that don't always align with career earnings. Swarthmore College delivers $39,369 median earnings at just $18,686 net cost, while Bucknell University commands $40,429 net cost for $52,941 earnings. The state's political market creates strong opportunities for graduates, with major employers like UPMC operating as quasi-governmental entities and Comcast navigating complex regulatory environments. Public universities offer particularly strong value, with University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg providing access at $17,034 net cost. The 6.93% acceptance rate at Swarthmore makes it highly selective, yet graduates enter a state where healthcare policy, telecommunications regulation, and pharmaceutical oversight create steady demand for policy analysis skills. Pennsylvania's mix of urban centers and rural districts provides varied internship opportunities, from Philadelphia city government to state capitol positions in Harrisburg.
50
Programs
$17,034 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$35,384
Avg. Program Earnings
68.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $39,369 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $19,524 $35,416 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
3 $20,231 $35,701 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
4 $21,900 $37,363 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
5 $22,673 $37,028 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
6 $31,229 $50,677 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
7 $21,409 $33,993 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
8 $17,034 $25,484 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
9 $17,216 $25,658 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
10 $33,549 $46,790 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
11 $32,496 $44,468 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
12 $18,952 $25,484 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
13 $40,429 $52,941 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
14 $30,086 $39,369 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
15 $26,198 $33,993 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
16 $32,191 $40,737 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
17 $23,553 $29,685 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
18 $30,470 $37,208 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
19 $24,829 $29,685 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
20 $21,205 $25,194 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
21 $29,219 $34,650 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
22 $25,866 $27,488 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
23 $44,876 $47,650 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
24 $39,061 $41,441 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
25 $35,487 $33,993 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
26 $30,314 $26,353 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
27 $30,074 $25,484 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
28 $34,978 $27,439 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
29 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
30 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
31 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
32 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
33 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
34 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
35 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
36 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
37 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
38 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
39 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
40 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
41 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
42 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
43 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
44 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
45 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
46 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
47 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
48 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
49 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
50 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College such strong value for political science students?

Swarthmore achieves an unusual combination of $18,686 net cost and $39,369 median earnings, creating strong return on investment. The college maintains a 94.10% graduation rate with only 6.93% acceptance rate, ensuring small cohorts receive intensive attention. This selective environment produces graduates well-prepared for competitive government positions and graduate school programs.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for political science value?

Public options range from University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg at $17,034 net cost to West Chester at $22,673, all significantly below private alternatives. These schools produce graduates earning $25,484 to $37,028 median salaries with graduation rates between 39.60% and 69.80%. The lower debt loads, typically $23,415 to $27,000, make public programs attractive for students planning government careers with modest starting salaries.

Is University of Pennsylvania worth the premium cost for political science?

Penn commands $31,229 net cost but delivers $50,677 median earnings, the second-highest among these programs. The 96.80% graduation rate and $14,250 median debt create strong outcomes despite the substantial investment. Penn's Philadelphia location provides access to federal court systems, major law firms, and corporate government relations offices.

What career opportunities exist for political science graduates in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's economy creates varied paths beyond traditional government roles. Healthcare giants like UPMC require policy analysts for regulatory compliance, while Comcast needs specialists for telecommunications law. Pharmaceutical companies throughout the state hire government relations professionals to navigate FDA processes. The state's mix of urban and rural constituencies also supports careers in campaign management and lobbying.

How do graduation rates affect value calculations for political science programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 39.60% at Pitt-Greensburg to 96.80% at University of Pennsylvania, directly impacting return on investment. Higher completion rates at schools like Swarthmore (94.10%) and Penn ensure students actually earn degrees to access reported salary levels. Programs with completion rates below 60% present risks even at lower net costs, as incomplete degrees provide limited career value.

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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.