Best Political Science Schools

How are the Top Political Science Programs Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Political Science Programs with Appily!

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The University of Texas at Austin

A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...

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I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are...

” – Lila from Houston, TX
College of the Holy Cross

Founded by Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross is a liberal arts college in Worcester and the oldest Roman Catholic school in New England. Holy Cross confers bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic fields of study and is also home to 10 student-designed...

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The academics at Holy Cross seem intense, and the students here study more than at most other colleges. With a Princeton Review academic rating of 98, only five other colleges and university's place above it. More than just pure academics, Holy Cross...

” – Kaylie from Ashburnham, MA
Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, Santa Clara University is a Jesuit Catholic university in Silicon Valley and the oldest institution of higher education in California. SCU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 academic majors and...

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The faculty offer much more than what textbooks can do. Not only that, but just seeing all different types of people from different backgrounds builds the social aspect as well as the classroom aspect. It's also very easy to get to know people since...

” – Bao from San Jose, CA
Providence College

Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican liberal arts institution located in the city of the same name in Rhode Island. PC offers 52 major fields of study and was the first college in the nation to offer a...

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The overall physical appearance of the school is lovely. The school body seems friendly, the guide on my visit seemed very knowledgable. The atmosphere seems to have an open, fun social setting and good school spirit.

” – Emily from Morris Plains, NJ
California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

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I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...

” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
Clark University

Clark University is a private institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Clark offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors structured around Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum which includes a small...

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I have, quite honestly, learned more in my first semester at Clark than I ever have in my entire life. The academics here are very good but in some cases you have to step up your own learning, it isn't always handed to you. All my professors are...

” – Olivia from West Hartford, CT
University of Wisconsin-Madison

From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood...

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I have learned so much since I began my schooling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. There is such a variety of classes to choose from which makes it easy for you to find classes that you are interested in. The professors here challenge you to think...

” – Hannah from Andover, MN
University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington is a selective institution located in Seattle, WA, with two satellite campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. At this Public Ivy, sustainability is a major focus and the school has made The Princeton Review Green College Honor...

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If you can get past the large number of students in your lower-level classes, learning will not be a problem. Professors, TAs and study centers are generally very kind and willing to help you out. If you seek help, you will get it.

” – Madeline from Seattle, WA
University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a land- and sea-grant public research university in Athens, GA. Founded in 1785, University of Georgia is one of three public universities to hold the title of the oldest public university in the US. With 17 different...

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At UGA you get what you sign up for. I am currently taking 15 hours and all 15 of those are spent taking serious notes and paying close attention to learn the new material. I am learning new stuff everyday and am tested on it every 3 weeks. Coming...

” – Paige from Blythewood, SC
Bryn Mawr College

Founded in 1885, Bryn Mawr College is a women’s liberal arts institution in the greater Philadelphia area and part of the Seven Sisters. Bryn Mawr offers undergraduate degrees in 37 majors and was the first women’s college to confer a PhD...

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The campus is absolutely beautiful. The academics are rigorous.

” – Mary from plano, TX
University of California-Santa Cruz

Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...

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After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...

” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA
Fordham University

At Fordham, you’ll receive a rigorous, Jesuit education in one of the world’s greatest cities. Our students reflect the diversity of New York City, coming from across the U.S. and around the world. Students choose from more than 70 majors and minors...

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With the benefits of the most culturally diverse and intellectually-stimulating city in the world at your fingertips, as well as a curriculum following the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Fordham University offers the best education...

” – Taylor from Girard, KS
Southern Methodist University

The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...

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My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...

” – Sarah from Richardson, TX
The College of Wooster

Founded by a Presbyterian minister, the College of Wooster is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Ohio. Wooster grants bachelor’s degrees in 44 academic majors and every student’s academic career begins with a First-Year Seminar focusing on...

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I think the most notable aspect of the curriculum is its inter-disciplinary qualities. I can think of numerous occasions in which information from one class has connected to what I am learning in another class. Wooster is not merely about giving...

” – Katie
DePauw University

Originally founded as Indiana Asbury University, DePauw University is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Indiana. DePauw is home to a College of Liberal Arts conferring degrees in 29 fields of study as well as one of the first Schools of Music...

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DePauw was the best decision I've ever made. What makes this school special is the people, the opportunities for success, and the education. There is no place I would rather be.

” – Kandyce from Indianapolis, IN
Southwestern University

Founded in 1840, Southwestern University is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Austin metro area and the oldest university in Texas. Southwestern grants undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, Southwestern originated...

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This school is extremely informative- classes are small, reading is crucial, student-professor relationships are personal. In such a class setting, it is difficult to let the information slide past you. Also, attendance policy is strict- you can be...

” – Cheyney from San Antonio, TX
San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. What began as an all-female college for elementary school teachers now consists of 8 colleges that offer 95 undergraduate programs plus a variety of...

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I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and...

” – Lizette from Planada, CA
United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is a 4-year service academy in Maryland’s state capital of Annapolis. The academy grants bachelor’s degrees in 25 academic majors and all Navy students are classified with the rank of midshipmen during their time on...

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You will learn a moderate amount in a wide variety of subjects. Be prepared though, there is a strong engineering focus.

” – Shipmate
University of Maryland-College Park

Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland-College Park is a 4-year public research university in Maryland’s Capital Region and the flagship campus of the UMD system. UMD hosts 12 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 92 academic...

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At the University of Maryland, you learn so much more than just facts and truths from textbooks and lectures. While the classes are extremely informational, and the professors and T.A.s are all very knowledgeable on their subjects, the real learning...

” – Anonymous from PA
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The University of Dallas is a small, private Catholic institution based in Irving, Texas. The school offers programs in business, liberal arts, and ministry. A majority (approximately 80%) of students participate in the Rome study abroad programs. It...

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This University is definitely a challenge. You will learn to make connections between two or more subjects you're studying simultaneously, and can therefore more easily apply your knowledge to everyday life and your future career...UD is big on the...

” – Amanda from Clint, TX