Best Political Science and Government Schools in Washington

Washington has 15 colleges offering Political Science and Government programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,018 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,113 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,462.

School choice matters significantly: Central Washington University graduates earn $39,009 while Seattle Pacific University graduates earn $24,421 — a $14,588 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

15
Schools in WA
$33,113
WA Avg. Earnings
$34,462
National Avg.
532
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Political Science and Government in Washington

Public Schools (7)
$36,394
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (8)
$30,242
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Washington 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 Washington, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,000
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 90.2%
#2
U

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

$37,896
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,001
Graduates: 198
Acceptance: 42.5%
#3
U

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

Bothell, WA · Public

$37,896
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,001
Graduates: 198
Acceptance: 91.8%
#4
U

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public

$37,896
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,001
Graduates: 198
Acceptance: 83.0%
#5
P

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private

$36,674
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.5%
#6
E

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public

$34,526
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,619
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 91.8%
#7
G

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,249
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 76.0%
#8
W

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $20,472
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 50.0%
#9
W

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

$33,779
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,100
Graduates: 102
Acceptance: 91.3%
#10
W

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

$33,755
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,510
Graduates: 66
Acceptance: 85.4%
#11
U

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,059
Graduates: 58
Acceptance: 76.3%
#12
S

Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,495
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 76.0%
#13
S

Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA · Private

$26,121
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.9%
#14
W

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA · Private

$25,194
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 86.8%
#15
S

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

$24,421
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,595
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 91.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Political Science and Government in Washington?
Central Washington University ranks #1 for Political Science and Government in Washington with median graduate earnings of $39,009 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 Washington?
Political Science and Government graduates in Washington earn an average of $33,113 within two years of graduation. This is 4% below the national average of $34,462 for this major.
What is the hardest Political Science and Government school to get into in Washington?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the most selective Political Science and Government program in Washington with an acceptance rate of 42.5%. The average acceptance rate across Political Science and Government programs in the state is 79.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Political Science and Government in Washington?
In Washington, private Political Science and Government programs produce average earnings of $30,242 vs $36,394 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 8 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Washington

All colleges in Washington →

Political Science and Government in Other States

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