Best Political Science and Government Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 15 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,181 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,791 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,462.

School choice matters significantly: Duke University graduates earn $54,463 while University of North Carolina Asheville graduates earn $25,194 — a $29,269 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in NC

$33,791

NC Avg. Earnings

$34,462

National Avg.

532

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in North Carolina

Public Schools (11)

$30,992

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$41,487

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,495 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Political Science and Government Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

$54,463

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,130

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: 6.8%

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private

$49,618

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,727

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 21.6%

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$36,674

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,293

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 67.3%

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$35,213

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,407

Graduates: 75

Acceptance: 90.1%

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$35,213

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,919

Graduates: 184

Acceptance: 80.2%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

$34,485

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,613

Graduates: 383

Acceptance: 18.7%

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public

$33,138

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,004

Graduates: 108

Acceptance: 39.9%

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public

$32,391

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,920

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 68.5%

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$30,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,957

Graduates: 65

Acceptance: 74.0%

#10

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,090

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 86.7%

#11

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$28,662

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,938

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 88.6%

#12

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

$28,212

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,493

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 90.5%

#13

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$27,947

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,919

Graduates: 59

Acceptance: 89.8%

#14

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,020

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 93.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in North Carolina?

Duke University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $54,463 within two years of graduation. There are 15 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.

How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in North Carolina?

Political Science and Government graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $33,791 within two years of graduation. This is 2% below the national average of $34,462 for this major.

What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in North Carolina?

Duke University is the most selective Political Science and Government program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 66.7%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $41,487 vs $30,992 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

Computer Engineering $79,319 Industrial Engineering $68,397 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $65,539 Chemical Engineering $65,411 Engineering, General $61,816 Computer Science $60,095 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $60,005 Information Science/Studies $59,670

All colleges in North Carolina →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.