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Best Colleges for Political Science in Virginia

The best colleges for a Political Science degree in Virginia, led by University of Virginia-Main Campus, William & Mary and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Each school is shown with its acceptance rate, tuition, and average SAT so you can weigh Political Science programs side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college for Political Science in Virginia?

Based on our rankings, University of Virginia-Main Campus is the top-ranked college for Political Science in Virginia. Other top choices include William & Mary, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, George Mason University.

What are the best Political Science schools?

The best Political Science schools, based on program-specific federal data including median earnings and graduate counts, are University of Virginia-Main Campus, William & Mary, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Our rankings use College Scorecard field-of-study data rather than editorial opinion.

How much does it cost to study Political Science?

The average out-of-state tuition among top Political Science programs is approximately $36,512 per year. However, costs vary significantly — many schools offer generous financial aid packages that can reduce the effective cost.

How long does it take to get a Political Science degree?

A bachelor's degree in Political Science typically takes four years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or combined bachelor's-to-master's options that can extend or shorten the timeline.

How are these Political Science rankings determined?

Our major rankings are independently calculated from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study (CIP) data — primarily median earnings 4 years after graduation and program scale (graduate count), with a 10+ annual graduates minimum per program. They are not derived from US News or any other publication.

Career outcomes for Political Science graduates

Among the top 10 ranked Political Science programs, the average early-career salary is approximately $71,822 per year. Below are the highest-paying Political Science programs based on federal College Scorecard earnings data reported by graduates four years after completion.

  1. 1. University of Virginia-Main Campus — Charlottesville, VA · 16.8% acceptance · SAT 1,480 · $59,512 tuition · 96% grad rate
  2. 2. William & Mary — Williamsburg, VA · 34.1% acceptance · SAT 1,473 · $51,038 tuition · 89% grad rate
  3. 3. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — Blacksburg, VA · 54.8% acceptance · SAT 1,364 · $37,764 tuition · 86% grad rate
  4. 4. George Mason University — Fairfax, VA · 87.5% acceptance · SAT 1,274 · $38,688 tuition · 68% grad rate
  5. 5. James Madison University — Harrisonburg, VA · 71.5% acceptance · SAT 1,256 · $31,604 tuition · 80% grad rate
  6. 6. Washington and Lee University — Lexington, VA · 14% acceptance · SAT 1,498 · $68,045 tuition · 94% grad rate
  7. 7. Old Dominion University — Norfolk, VA · 90.4% acceptance · SAT 1,197 · $33,780 tuition · 46% grad rate
  8. 8. University of Richmond — University of Richmond, VA · 22.2% acceptance · SAT 1,497 · $65,230 tuition · 85% grad rate
  9. 9. Liberty University — Lynchburg, VA · 99% acceptance · $22,465 tuition · 65% grad rate
  10. 10. Hampton University — Hampton, VA · 62.3% acceptance · SAT 969 · $30,592 tuition · 57% grad rate
  11. 11. Virginia Wesleyan University — Virginia Beach, VA · 72.9% acceptance · $37,500 tuition · 42% grad rate
  12. 12. Christopher Newport University — Newport News, VA · 86% acceptance · SAT 1,180 · $31,178 tuition · 72% grad rate
  13. 13. Hollins University — Roanoke, VA · 68% acceptance · SAT 1,230 · $43,560 tuition · 65% grad rate
  14. 14. Eastern Mennonite University — Harrisonburg, VA · 100% acceptance · $43,920 tuition · 57% grad rate
  15. 15. Bridgewater College — Bridgewater, VA · 91.7% acceptance · SAT 1,180 · $16,090 tuition · 53% grad rate
  16. 16. Averett University — Danville, VA · 56.6% acceptance · SAT 1,135 · $38,550 tuition · 48% grad rate
  17. 17. Mary Baldwin University — Staunton, VA · $34,152 tuition · 39% grad rate
  18. 18. Regent University — Virginia Beach, VA · 38.1% acceptance · SAT 1,153 · $21,650 tuition · 57% grad rate
  19. 19. Radford University — Radford, VA · 89.5% acceptance · SAT 1,060 · $25,633 tuition · 49% grad rate
  20. 20. Longwood University — Farmville, VA · 90.2% acceptance · SAT 1,120 · $27,978 tuition · 61% grad rate
  21. 21. Norfolk State University — Norfolk, VA · 87.8% acceptance · SAT 927 · $21,682 tuition · 39% grad rate
  22. 22. Virginia State University — Petersburg, VA · 88.6% acceptance · SAT 948 · $22,650 tuition · 39% grad rate

Best Colleges for Political Science in Virginia on PickACampus