Best Political Science and Government Schools in Texas

Texas has 24 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,479 recent graduates. Graduates earn $34,440 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,462.

School choice matters significantly: Southern Methodist University graduates earn $52,941 while The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $21,850 — a $31,091 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TX

$34,440

TX Avg. Earnings

$34,462

National Avg.

532

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Texas

Public Schools (17)

$32,650

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (7)

$38,787

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,137 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 Texas, Ranked by Earnings

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

$52,941

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,053

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 61.2%

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

$50,231

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 7.9%

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private

$41,789

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,860

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 42.6%

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

$38,971

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,562

Graduates: 284

Acceptance: 29.1%

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · Public

$38,721

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,061

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: 85.4%

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

$37,671

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,388

Graduates: 137

Acceptance: 69.5%

Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public

$36,141

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 88.3%

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

$35,823

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,443

Graduates: 202

Acceptance: 63.2%

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX · Private

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public

$34,847

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,450

Graduates: 76

Acceptance: 70.9%

#11

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · Public

$34,259

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,298

Graduates: 60

Acceptance: 81.3%

#12

University of North Texas

Denton, TX · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,596

Graduates: 102

Acceptance: 72.5%

#13

Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,709

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 83.7%

#14

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,215

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 65.5%

#15

The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX · Public

Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

$33,459

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,558

Graduates: 77

Acceptance: 51.0%

#17

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · Public

$32,772

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,626

Graduates: 67

Acceptance: 88.5%

#18

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public

$30,228

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,398

Graduates: 138

Acceptance: 89.5%

#19

Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $18,259

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 46.0%

#20

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX · Public

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public

$28,381

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,481

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 90.6%

#22

Austin College

Sherman, TX · Private

The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public

$24,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,928

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 99.9%

#24

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, TX · Public

$21,850

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,242

Graduates: 61

Acceptance: 84.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Southern Methodist University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Texas with median graduate earnings of $52,941 within two years of graduation. There are 24 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.

How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Texas?

Political Science and Government graduates in Texas earn an average of $34,440 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $34,462 for this major.

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

Rice University is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Texas with an acceptance rate of 7.9%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 69.3%.

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

In Texas, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $38,787 vs $32,650 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 17 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Texas

Chemical Engineering $70,069 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,562 Computer Engineering $65,273 Industrial Engineering $64,917 Computer Science $64,839 Construction Engineering Technologies $63,237 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $62,062 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $61,898

All colleges in Texas →

Political Science and Government in Other States

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