Best Value Political Science and Government Colleges in Washington

Political Science and Government students in Washington face a striking cost divide, with public universities averaging under $15,000 net price while private colleges reach nearly $39,000. The University of Washington's three campuses demonstrate how location affects value within the same system, with Tacoma offering the lowest net cost at $10,017 despite identical $37,896 earnings across all UW locations. Central Washington University graduates earn the highest median salary at $39,009, reflecting strong connections to state government positions in Olympia and federal opportunities in the Seattle metro area. Washington's tech-heavy economy creates unique pathways for political science majors into corporate policy roles at Amazon and Microsoft, while the state's active political climate provides internships and entry-level positions across government agencies.

Programs

$10,017 – $38,920

Net Price Range

$33,113

Avg. Program Earnings

66.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Political Science and Government Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$37,896	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
2	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$37,896	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$37,896	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
4	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$39,009	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
5	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$34,526	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
6	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$33,755	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
7	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$33,779	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
8	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$36,674	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
9	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$26,121	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
10	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820	$24,421	$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
11	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$25,194	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
12	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506	$33,993	$61,492	81.0%	47.7%
13	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$33,993	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
14	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$30,771	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
15	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920	$30,771	$59,900	67.9%	82.7%
16	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161		$36,035	63.5%	94.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Central Washington University stand out for political science value?

Central Washington University graduates earn $39,009 annually, the highest median salary among all 16 programs in the state. Students pay just $14,715 net price, creating an excellent return on investment. The university's location in Ellensburg provides access to state government internships in nearby Olympia while maintaining affordable living costs compared to Seattle-area schools.

How do the University of Washington campuses compare for political science students?

All three UW campuses produce graduates with identical $37,896 median earnings, but costs vary significantly by location. Tacoma offers the lowest net price at $10,017, while Seattle charges $13,485 despite having the most competitive 47.52% acceptance rate. Bothell splits the difference at $10,898 with a strong 68.20% graduation rate.

Is private college worth the extra cost for political science in Washington?

Private colleges charge $21,370 to $38,920 net price compared to public universities under $19,000, but graduation outcomes vary widely. Gonzaga University justifies its $36,371 cost with an 86.90% graduation rate and strong alumni networks in law and government. However, several private schools show lower earnings than public alternatives, making careful program research essential.

Where do Washington political science graduates find the best career opportunities?

Seattle's concentration of tech companies, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations creates the most varied career paths, though housing costs are high. State government positions in Olympia offer stable employment with good benefits. Eastern Washington provides opportunities in agricultural policy and rural development, while the region's 96.12% acceptance rate makes programs accessible to most students.

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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.