Political Economy
A program that focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in the formation of public policy. Includes instruction in microeconomics; macroeconomics; political theory; American, comparative, and international political economy; and quantitative methods.
- Schools offering
- 25
- Annual completions
- 255
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $63k
About this major
A program that focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in the formation of public policy. Includes instruction in microeconomics; macroeconomics; political theory; American, comparative, and international political economy; and quantitative methods.
Examples of specialized tracks: International Political Economy, Political Economy and Government.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $137k | +4.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Social science research assistants | $58k | +4.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Political science teachers, postsecondary | $95k | +2.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Economists | $115k | +1.2% | Master's degree |
| Economics teachers, postsecondary | $120k | +2.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Political scientists | $139k | -3.1% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$63k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$43k
Bachelor's
$63k
Top colleges for Political Economy
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 0 | 57 | 57 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 0 | 38 | 38 |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | 0 | 36 | 36 |
| SUNY Old Westbury | Old Westbury, NY | 0 | 32 | 32 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| University of Puget Sound | Tacoma, WA | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, MN | 0 | 6 | 6 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Political Economy field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Political Economy worth it? Read verdict