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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#16 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $38,721
Average Debt $21,940
Program Size 127
Chapman University (CU)
4 Year
Orange, CA
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Chapman University (CU), located in Orange, CA has 127 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $38,721.
Acceptance Rate 48%
Undergraduates 2,243 students
Tuition $47,260
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#17 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $38,232
Average Debt $16,609
Program Size 1,280
UCLA
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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UCLA, located in Los Angeles, CA has 1,280 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $38,232.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition $12,763
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#18 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $38,232
Average Debt $16,609
Program Size 1,280
University of California-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of California-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 1,280 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $38,232.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition N/A
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#19 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,956
Average Debt $16,744
Program Size 527
University of California-Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara, located in Santa Barbara, CA has 527 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,956.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
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#20 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,956
Average Debt $16,744
Program Size 527
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 527 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,956.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
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#21 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,808
Average Debt $25,000
Program Size 199
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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Loyola Marymount University (LMU), located in Los Angeles, CA has 199 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,808.
Acceptance Rate 51%
Undergraduates 2,530 students
Tuition $42,795
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#22 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,779
Average Debt $22,150
Program Size 49
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, CA has 49 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,779.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 506 students
Tuition $49,248
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#23 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,568
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 35
California State University-Stanislaus
4 Year
Turlock, CA
California State University-Stanislaus, located in Turlock, CA has 35 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,568.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 2,334 students
Tuition $6,704
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#24 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,363
Average Debt $19,250
Program Size 143
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 143 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,363.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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#25 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,328
Average Debt $13,856
Program Size 476
University of California-Davis (UCD)
4 Year
Davis, CA
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University of California-Davis (UCD), located in Davis, CA has 476 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,328.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 9,630 students
Tuition $13,951
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#26 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,208
Average Debt $19,000
Program Size 137
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 137 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,208.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#27 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $37,208
Average Debt $22,884
Program Size 91
University of San Diego
4 Year
San Diego, CA
University of San Diego, located in San Diego, CA has 91 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $37,208.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 2,400 students
Tuition $44,586
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#28 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $36,668
Average Debt $17,172
Program Size 581
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
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University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 581 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $36,668.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
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#29 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $36,437
Average Debt $19,892
Program Size 103
California State University-San Bernardino
4 Year
San Bernardino, CA
California State University-San Bernardino, located in San Bernardino, CA has 103 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $36,437.
Acceptance Rate 65%
Undergraduates 4,571 students
Tuition $6,577
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#30 Best College for Political Science
Average Salary $36,312
Average Debt $25,482
Program Size 47
California Lutheran University (CLU)
4 Year
Thousand Oaks, CA
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California Lutheran University (CLU), located in Thousand Oaks, CA has 47 students majoring in Political Science. On average, graduates earn $36,312.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 1,282 students
Tuition $38,430
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