2024 Best Colleges for Political Science in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Political Science programs in California. We looked at 71 programs to put our Political Science rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Political Science in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Political Science is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Political Science: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Political Science in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Political Science undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Political Science degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Political Science Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Political Science in California?

Dominican University of California is the best university for majoring in Political Science based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Dominican University of California earned an average of $56,415 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Political Science in California?

California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheapest university for majoring in Political Science based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,213 to attend California State University-Dominguez Hills.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Political Science in California?

Harvey Mudd College is the most expensive university for majoring in Political Science based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,649 to attend Harvey Mudd College.

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#1 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $56,415
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 17
Dominican University of California
4 Year
San Rafael, CA
Dominican University of California, located in San Rafael, CA has 17 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $56,415.
Acceptance Rate 79%
Undergraduates 510 students
Tuition $42,550
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#2 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $50,439
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 59
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, CA has 59 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $50,439.
Acceptance Rate 98%
Undergraduates 1,102 students
Tuition $42,930
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#3 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $50,105
Average Debt $19,500
Program Size 159
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
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Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 159 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $50,105.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
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#4 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $50,105
Average Debt $26,000
Program Size 82
Pepperdine University
4 Year
Malibu, CA
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Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, CA has 82 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $50,105.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
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#5 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $45,220
Average Debt $13,943
Program Size 776
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 776 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $45,220.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
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#6 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $45,220
Average Debt $13,943
Program Size 776
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 776 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $45,220.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
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#7 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $44,356
Average Debt $20,527
Program Size 105
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 105 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $44,356.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
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#8 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $44,170
Average Debt $10,100
Program Size 110
Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
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Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA has 110 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $44,170.
Acceptance Rate 5%
Undergraduates 4,779 students
Tuition $46,320
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#9 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 89
Claremont McKenna College (CMC)
4 Year
Claremont, CA
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Claremont McKenna College (CMC), located in Claremont, CA has 89 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 11%
Undergraduates 363 students
Tuition $49,045
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#10 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $42,235
Average Debt $14,673
Program Size 257
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 257 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $42,235.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
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#11 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $40,768
Average Debt $35,337
Program Size 88
Ashford University
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Ashford University, located in San Diego, CA has 88 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $40,768.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,023 students
Tuition $10,720
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#12 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $40,728
Average Debt $17,939
Program Size 249
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 249 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $40,728.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#13 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $40,312
Average Debt $22,281
Program Size 83
University of San Francisco
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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University of San Francisco, located in San Francisco, CA has 83 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $40,312.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 3,307 students
Tuition $42,634
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#14 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $40,188
Average Debt $23,308
Program Size 32
Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
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Biola University, located in La Mirada, CA has 32 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $40,188.
Acceptance Rate 70%
Undergraduates 1,390 students
Tuition $34,498
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#15 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $38,751
Average Debt $18,038
Program Size 299
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 299 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $38,751.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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