Best Political Science colleges in Chicago 2021
Studying political science does much more than fill your head with facts that prepare you for greatness on Jeopardy (though some extra bucks would come in handy to pay back those student loans). It provides training in a variety of skills valued by employers and graduate school admissions counselors. As stated by the American Political Science Association:
As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are fundamental to a liberal arts education. This kind of education will prepare you to think critically and independently, help you appreciate differing points of view, and broaden your knowledge of current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs more than once and even have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment.
Best Political Science colleges in Chicago for 2021
Decades before Bernie Sanders made a run at becoming the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, he earned an undergraduate degree in political science and chaired the student chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality at U of C. The turbulent 1960s are over, but applying knowledge gained in the classroom to activities outside of it remains a part of Chicago’s culture. From working with the Partnership for the Advancement of Refugee Rights to organizing movie screenings for the Student Political Forum, students have so many chances to become involved on campus that they hardly have time to notice when winter temps dip below zero.
For those familiar with U of C’s environment, it will come as no surprise that Herbert Simon -- the only political scientist ever awarded a Nobel Prize for his intellectual achievements -- received his doctorate there. As the university boldly and proudly states:
There are only a few places on the planet that are in Chicago's league when it comes to research, teaching, and the intensity of intellectual life. That is why we believe Chicago is one of the most interesting, lively, cutting-edge places to study, research, and teach political science.
With courses covering the spectrum from “Herodotus and Thucydides: History and Politics” to “Violence and Development in Africa” to “Politics in Chicago,” it would be hard to disagree.
Northern Illinois University offers 3 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2019, 84 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 73 Bachelor's degrees, 6 Master's degrees, and 5 Doctoral degrees.
University of Illinois at Chicago offers 3 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 102 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 99 Bachelor's degrees, 2 Master's degrees, and 1 Doctoral degree.
Loyola University Chicago offers 3 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 111 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 105 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.
Roosevelt University offers 2 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 15 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 15 Bachelor's degrees.
Lake Forest College offers 1 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2019, 20 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 20 Bachelor's degrees.
Northeastern Illinois University offers 2 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 40 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 26 Bachelor's degrees, and 14 Master's degrees.
DePaul University offers 1 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 99 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 99 Bachelor's degrees.
Governors State University offers 2 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 12 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 7 Bachelor's degrees, and 5 Master's degrees.
Valparaiso University offers 1 Political Science and Government, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2019, 16 Political Science and Government, General students graduated with students earning 16 Bachelor's degrees.
List of all Political Science colleges in Chicago
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Chicago Chicago, IL | 12 : 1 | 17,452 | |
|
Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL | 21 : 1 | 16,609 | |
|
University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL | 19 : 1 | 32,324 | |
|
Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL | 20 : 1 | 17,159 | |
|
Roosevelt University Chicago, IL | 21 : 1 | 4,071 | |
|
Lake Forest College Lake Forest, IL | 15 : 1 | 1,562 | |
|
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL | 25 : 1 | 7,423 | |
|
DePaul University Chicago, IL | 25 : 1 | 22,064 | |
|
Governors State University University Park, IL | 21 : 1 | 4,789 | |
|
Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN | 12 : 1 | 3,502 | |
|
Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL | 22 : 1 | 3,453 | |
|
University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, WI | 27 : 1 | 4,388 | |
|
Wheaton College Wheaton, IL | 14 : 1 | 3,004 | |
|
Carthage College Kenosha, WI | 16 : 1 | 2,742 | |
|
Benedictine University Lisle, IL | 31 : 1 | 4,401 | |
|
Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL | 27 : 1 | 3,623 | |
|
University of St Francis Joliet, IL | 38 : 1 | 3,776 | |
|
North Park University Chicago, IL | 23 : 1 | 2,892 | |
|
Dominican University River Forest, IL | 20 : 1 | 3,029 | |
|
Aurora University Aurora, IL | 45 : 1 | 6,246 | |