Top Universities for Political Science in USA

Political Science is the scientific study of the theory and practice of politics and government. Choosing the right university for political science is crucial for those passionate about understanding and influencing political systems. Here’s a curated list of the top universities for political science in the USA, known for their excellence in education, research opportunities, and career advancement.

WHY STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE IN THE USA

• The USA houses some of the top-ranked political science universities globally
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 6% growth in employment for Political Science Enthusiasts.
• Students get ample network opportunities with international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• The average annual salary of a political science graduate in the USA is around $80,137
• The US government has constantly increased the Research and Development Expenditure. It was around $885M in 2024 and increasing every year.

Best Public And Private Universities For Political Science in The USA 2025

• Picture
  University Name
  University Details
   

• 

  Princeton University
  Private
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Tuition fees: $60,000
  Duration: 2- 4 years
  Intakes: Sep, Jan, May
  Acceptance rate: 5.5%
  Get Details

• 

  University of California, Berkeley
  Public
  On-campus/ off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Fees: $ 24,000 per semester
  Duration: 4-6 years
  Intakes: Sep, Jan, May
  Acceptance rate: 11.1%
  Get Details

• 

  Yale University
  Private
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Fees: $50,000
  Duration: 1-4 years
  Intakes: April, August
  Acceptance rate: 5%
  Get Details

• 

  Hillsdale College
  Private
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Fees: $32,000
  Duration: 2-4 years
  Intakes: Aug, Jan
  Acceptance rates: 21%
  Get Details

• 

  Patrick Henry College
  Private
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full time Fees: $30,000
  Duration: 2-4 years
  Intakes: Dec, Apr, Jul
  Acceptance rates: 76%
  Get Details

• 

  Stanford University
  Private
  On campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Tuition fees: $52,000
  Duration: 2-4 years Intakes: Sep, Jan, May Acceptance rate: 4%
  Get Details

• 

  University of Chicago
  Private
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Fees: $68,000
  Duration: 1-4 years
  Intakes: Sep, Jan
  Acceptance rate: 5.5%
  Get Details

• 

  University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  Public
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full-time/Part-time
  Fees: $34,000
  Duration: 1-4 years
  Intakes: Sep, Jan, May, Dec
  Acceptance rate: 9%
  Get Details

• 

  United /States Coast Guard Academy
  Public
  On-campus/ Off-campus
  Full time/Part-time
  Fees: Zero
  Duration: 4 years
  Intakes: Oct, Jan
  Acceptance rate: 15%
  Get Details

• 

  Northeastern Illinois University
  Public
  On campus/ Off campus
  Full time/ Part time
  Fees: $12,200
  Duration: 2- 4 years
  Intakes: Sep, Jan
  Acceptance rate: 63.1%
  Get Details

Types of Political Science Degrees Offered in The USA

Read about the CMA courses in the USA.

List of Top Universities For PhD in Political Science

Some of the top QS-ranked universities in the USA offer PhD in Political Science. The list includes:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• University of Michigan
• University of Southern California
• University of Massachusetts Boston 
• The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
• Princeton University
• University of California, Berkeley

Admission Requirements for UG, PG, and PhD

The key criteria for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral political science programs in the USA are as follows:

• Candidates should have completed their high school certification (12th or equivalent) from a recognized institution
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field (for post-graduate courses)
• A master’s/ graduate degree in political science for a PhD. Some programs may accept PhD admissions after undergraduate as well.
• A grade point of at least 3.0 or above
• SAT/ACT scores
• TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE scores

Compare the IELTS, TOEFL and PTE examinations to find out the best niche for you.

Documents required

• Application form
• All available academic transcripts
• Application fee
• Graded Written Paper/ Writing sample
• Standardized test scores
• Medical Examination Certificate 
• Research Proposal (if required)
• SOP and LOR
• Resume or CV
• Visa and passport

Job Prospects with Salary

Scholarships

Many universities, government, and private organizations offer scholarships to international students interested in pursuing political science in the USA. Some of them are:

• Fulbright Scholarships: The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees and other allowances like books and travel. Deadline- Oct 8th, 2025
• Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: A scholarship amount of $30,000 for graduate students related to public service. Deadline- Feb 4th, 2025
• The Gates Scholarship: Scholarship for students with good academic standing covering the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, etc). Deadline- Sep 15th, 2025
• Princeton University Financial Aid: Princeton University offers a completely need-based scholarship offering 100% of the demonstrated financial need by the student. Deadline- Nov 9th, 2025/ Feb 1st, 2025.
• Yale Scholarship: Need-based financial aid up to $70,000 per year for undergraduate students of Yale University. Deadline- Oct 1st, 2025

CONCLUSION

In essence, pursuing a political science degree in the USA offers unparalleled opportunities for academic excellence, research and career advancement. Besides, the ample scholarship options allows students to be well-positioned to excel academically and influence the political landscape.

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