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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Political Science & Government Schools in District of Columbia

6 Colleges in the United States
1,131 Political Science & Government Degrees Awarded
$51,027 Avg Early-Career Salary

Political Science & Government degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best political science & government schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Political Science & Government in District of Columbia

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the political science & government degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Political Science & Government

1
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in political science & government. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. There were roughly 269 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $64,297. Georgetown University graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in political science & government from Georgetown University

2

Students looking for a strong political science & government program will find one at George Washington University, which ranked #2. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 335 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $62,004 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,000. Get the full political science & government details for George Washington University

3
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in political science & government, ranking #3. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. American University awarded about 274 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from American University generally make around $53,411. American University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full political science & government program report for American University

4

Catholic University Of America came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. Located in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 37 political science & government degrees were awarded at Catholic University Of America in the most recent year. Political Science & Government graduates of Catholic University Of America earn a median of $44,617 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. See the full political science & government program report for Catholic University Of America

5
Howard University crest
Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in political science & government, ranking #5. Located in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 196 political science & government degrees were awarded at Howard University in the most recent year. Political Science & Government graduates of Howard University earn a median of $31,897 early in their careers. Howard University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full political science & government program report for Howard University

6

University Of The District Of Columbia ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best political science & government schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of The District Of Columbia awarded about 20 political science & government degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science & government degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $49,935. Students borrow a median of $36,562 to complete this degree. See the full political science & government program report for University Of The District Of Columbia

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 8 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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