ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Far Western Region

84 Colleges in the United States
8,280 Political Science & Government Degrees Awarded
$43,752 Avg Early-Career Salary

Political Science & Government degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their political science & government programs.

College Factual analyzed 219 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best political science & government schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/social-sciences/political-science-and-government/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 3
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 45.10), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Political Science" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Political Science" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 0 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No ESYOH offers, checking direct offers

Best Schools for Political Science & Government in the Far Western Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall political science & government education in the Far Western Region.

Top Schools in Political Science & Government

1
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 school for political science & government. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 100 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $59,297 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,000. Get the full political science & government details for Stanford University

2

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 303 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Santa Barbara in the most recent data year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $39,404 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $16,485 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in political science & government from University Of California Santa Barbara

3

University Of California Berkeley is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in political science & government, ranking #3. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 421 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $45,418 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the political science & government program at University Of California Berkeley

4
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in political science & government, landing the #4 spot this year. Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Santa Clara. Santa Clara University graduates 88% of students within six years. There were roughly 52 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Santa Clara University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from Santa Clara University earn around $57,111 in the first couple years of their career. Santa Clara University graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Get the full political science & government details for Santa Clara University

5

Students looking for a strong political science & government program will find one at Claremont Mckenna College, which ranked #5. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Claremont. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Claremont Mckenna College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $42,552 in their early career. Claremont Mckenna College graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read more about the political science & government program at Claremont Mckenna College

6

University Of Southern California ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 144 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $38,063. Students borrow a median of $12,869 to complete this degree. Get the full political science & government details for University Of Southern California

7

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 708 political science & government degrees were awarded at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from University Of California Los Angeles earn around $34,392 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete this degree. Get the full political science & government details for University Of California Los Angeles

8

San Jose State University earned the #8 position for political science & government this year. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 74 political science & government degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. See the full political science & government program report for San Jose State University

9

University Of California Davis placed #9 among the best political science & government schools. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 285 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Davis in the most recent data year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from University Of California Davis earn around $36,208 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in political science & government from University Of California Davis

10

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #10 among the best political science & government schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 97 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $37,003. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates carry a median of $17,665 in student loans. Get the full political science & government details for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

11

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. University Of Washington Seattle Campus awarded about 287 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $41,246 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,000. Read more about the political science & government program at University Of Washington Seattle Campus

12
Pomona College crest
Pomona College
Claremont, CA

Pomona College placed #12 among the best political science & government schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Claremont. Pomona College graduates 93% of students within six years. About 22 political science & government degrees were awarded at Pomona College in the most recent year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $75,954 in their early career. Get the full political science & government details for Pomona College

13

University Of California Irvine earned the #13 position for political science & government this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. There were roughly 266 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Irvine in the most recent data year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from University Of California Irvine earn around $31,976 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California Irvine graduates carry a median of $16,293 in student loans. See the full political science & government program report for University Of California Irvine

14

University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #14 spot for political science & government this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Cruz. University Of California Santa Cruz graduates 75% of students within six years. About 128 political science & government degrees were awarded at University Of California Santa Cruz in the most recent year. Political Science & Government graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $31,882 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,782 to complete this degree. See the full political science & government program report for University Of California Santa Cruz

15

San Francisco State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. This very large public university is located in the city of San Francisco. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 118 political science & government degrees were awarded at San Francisco State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from San Francisco State University earn around $36,502 in the first couple years of their career. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Get the full political science & government details for San Francisco State University

16

San Diego State University placed #16 among the best political science & government schools. This very large public university is located in the city of San Diego. About 76% of students finish within six years. About 142 political science & government degrees were awarded at San Diego State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $38,060 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $17,068 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in political science & government from San Diego State University

17

El Camino Community College District placed #17 among the best political science & government schools. Located in the suburb of Torrance, El Camino Community College District is a very large public university. About 64 political science & government degrees were awarded at El Camino Community College District in the most recent year. Get the full political science & government details for El Camino Community College District

18

University Of California San Diego placed #18 among the best political science & government schools. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 334 political science & government degrees were awarded at University Of California San Diego in the most recent year. Students who receive their political science & government degree from University Of California San Diego earn around $33,345 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,030 to complete this degree. Read more about the political science & government program at University Of California San Diego

19
Scripps College crest
Scripps College
Claremont, CA

Scripps College placed #19 among the best political science & government schools. Scripps College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Claremont. Scripps College graduates 82% of students within six years. Scripps College awarded about 20 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full political science & government details for Scripps College

20

Pepperdine University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. Set in the suburb of Malibu, Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 36 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Pepperdine University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the political science & government program make about $42,306 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,625. Get the full political science & government details for Pepperdine University

21

California State University Sacramento ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. California State University Sacramento graduates 56% of students within six years. About 190 political science & government degrees were awarded at California State University Sacramento in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $36,189. Students borrow a median of $16,084 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in political science & government from California State University Sacramento

22

California State University East Bay landed the #22 spot for political science & government this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Hayward. California State University East Bay graduates 48% of students within six years. There were roughly 52 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at California State University East Bay in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $40,460 early in their careers. California State University East Bay graduates carry a median of $19,544 in student loans. Get the full political science & government details for California State University East Bay

23
University Of San Francisco crest
University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco landed the #23 spot for political science & government this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit university. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. There were roughly 46 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Francisco in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government graduates of University Of San Francisco earn a median of $40,056 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete this degree. See the full political science & government program report for University Of San Francisco

24

Chapman University earned the #24 position for political science & government this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Orange. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 46 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Chapman University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Chapman University generally make around $35,124. Students borrow a median of $20,741 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in political science & government from Chapman University

25

Loyola Marymount University landed the #25 spot for political science & government this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. There were roughly 91 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Marymount University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Loyola Marymount University generally make around $31,033. Typical student debt for the program is $22,146. More information about a degree in political science & government from Loyola Marymount University

Rest of the Top 50 Political Science & Government Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong political science & government education:

26
27
28
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
29
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
30
31
32
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
33
34
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
35
36
37
38
39
Pitzer College crest
Pitzer College
Claremont, CA
40
41
Occidental College crest
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
42
43
44
45
46
47
Seattle University crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
48
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
49
50

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for political science & government:

Narrow Political Science & Government Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Political Science & Government Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 219 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options