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Best Political Science and Government Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 18 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,124 recent graduates. Graduates in Virginia earn $37,841 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $34,462, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $48,432 while Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn $26,353 — a $22,079 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

18
Schools in VA
$37,841
VA Avg. Earnings
$34,462
National Avg.
532
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Virginia

Public Schools (11)
$38,894
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$36,186
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia produce comparable or higher early earnings for Political Science and Government graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Political Science and Government Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$48,432
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,129
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 16.9%
#2
W

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

$44,117
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,630
Graduates: 111
Acceptance: 32.7%
#3
G

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

$41,984
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,975
Graduates: 174
Acceptance: 88.8%
#4
U

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · Private

$41,789
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,110
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: 23.3%
#5
R

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$41,342
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,559
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 83.4%
#6
W

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private

$41,007
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $47,231
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 17.4%
#7
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$40,341
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,529
Graduates: 129
Acceptance: 57.0%
#8
J

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$39,860
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,969
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 76.3%
#9
R

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$38,829
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,483
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 90.6%
#10
O

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,205
Graduates: 53
Acceptance: 90.5%
#11
U

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$37,568
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,764
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 86.3%
#12
H

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · Private

$36,992
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 48.3%
#13
L

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$36,131
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,561
Graduates: 90
Acceptance: 99.3%
#14
C

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,880
Graduates: 82
Acceptance: 88.0%
#15
L

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

$32,569
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 84.8%
#16
V

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$32,569
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,107
Graduates: 158
Acceptance: 93.1%
#17
M

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#18
V

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$26,353
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Virginia?
University of Virginia-Main Campus ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $48,432 within two years of graduation. There are 18 schools offering Political Science and Government programs in the state.
How much do Political Science and Government graduates earn in Virginia?
Political Science and Government graduates in Virginia earn an average of $37,841 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $34,462 for this major.
What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Virginia?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 67.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in Virginia?
In Virginia, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $36,186 vs $38,894 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922 Civil Engineering $61,546
All colleges in Virginia →

Political Science and Government in Other States

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