Best Political Science and Government Degrees in the US by ROI
Top colleges ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment across all active states. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
4
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$409,141
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$65,000
Cost of attendance
| # | College | State | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
New York University
Grad rate: 87.8% |
NY | +$624,999 | $77,206 | $79,121 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Colorado Boulder
Grad rate: 74.9% |
CO | +$533,934 | $70,370 | $33,466 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
American University
Grad rate: 79.0% |
DC | +$344,883 | $64,391 | $71,549 | $23,250 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Davidson College
Grad rate: 91.8% |
NC | +$132,750 | $53,747 | $75,865 | $19,500 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Political Science and Government Degrees by State
Browse Political Science and Government programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.