Political Science and Government
What Political Science and Government Graduates Do
Your early career may start in a support role, like a social science research assistant. You’ll spend your days in an office setting, using databases and statistical software to gather data for a senior analyst, verify sources, and help draft sections of reports on policy or public opinion. With experience, many graduates move into management, often in the public or non-profit sectors. As a program manager, your focus shifts to leading team meetings, managing budgets in spreadsheets, and presenting progress reports to stakeholders to keep a government initiative on track.
This progression brings significant earning growth; while entry-level research jobs have modest pay, experienced managers command six-figure salaries. Demand is strongest for roles blending analysis with leadership, particularly in management. AI and software are changing this work, automating much of the routine data collection and report generation. This shift frees you to focus on the critical human tasks: interpreting complex findings, negotiating with stakeholders, and building persuasive arguments—skills that remain essential.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Political Science and Government. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer
RAPIDS 2073CB |
Competency | Competency | $100K – $136,550 – $179K | 4.5% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Political Science and Government
4 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ |
65 62–68 |
$52,771/yr | 42.8x |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI |
63 59–66 |
$41,188/yr | 48.9x |
| 3 | American University Washington, DC |
56 50–59 |
$51,222/yr | 12.1x |
| 4 | Davidson College Davidson, NC |
54 48–57 |
$46,232/yr | 12.0x |
Highest Earning Political Science and Government Programs
Schools where Political Science and Government graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $52,771/yr | 65 |
| American University | $51,222/yr | 56 |
| Davidson College | $46,232/yr | 54 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $41,188/yr | 63 |
Best ROI for Political Science and Government
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Political Science and Government.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 48.9x | $41,188/yr | 63 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 42.8x | $52,771/yr | 65 |
| American University | 12.1x | $51,222/yr | 56 |
| Davidson College | 12.0x | $46,232/yr | 54 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Political Science and Government degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.