2024 Best Colleges for Political Science in the Philadelphia Area

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,333 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,333 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Swarthmore, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  424 reviews

Alum: Life changing. Not only because of the quality of professors and the teacher to student ratio, but because the student body is so extraordinary. Living with and around people who are major achievers rubs off on you. Being there raised my standards 1000% because that is what I had to do just to keep up. And that habit stayed with me for the rest of my life. It produced a wonderful, successful life and work experience. Proud to be a Swattie!... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $19,733

• SAT range 1430-1560

• Villanova, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,553 reviews

Alum: Villanova is not a perfect school, but it was a great fit and wonderful experience for me! There are countless opportunities, good communication/posting of opportunities for students to be aware of and get involved in, and a great campus, relational feel to the school. Villanova is small enough to feel homey but large enough to continually meet new people or branch out and try new clubs, activities, etc. A common (and true) complaint is lack of diversity on campus. This is something to take into account but as an alum, I think the school is aware of it and has attempted to make strides to address it. I'd like to have seen the social scene change slightly; as someone who doesn't drink alcohol, it took some time to find like-minded people and find social opportunities that didn't feel centered around college drinking culture. I think this is a reality of many schools, not necessarily Villanova-specific. Overall, I loved Villanova and would choose to attend if I had to do it over again!... Read 1,553 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $33,123

• SAT range 1350-1490

• Haverford, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  263 reviews

Alum: The campus is large and beautiful. There are plenty of places to lounge or study. There isn't a core curriculum, so trying different fields of interest is very easy and encouraged. It is relatively seamless to transition between majors. The professors are incredibly kind and thoughtful. One of my main complaints is that for some majors, the program is fully developed with a multitude of courses, professors, and class times. But for other majors, there are much fewer resources and course electives.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $24,462

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  447 reviews

Alum: Bryn Mawr College was a great home for me. Professors and staff care about students and student needs. I loved the self-governance aspect of the school where students got to make decisions concerning how the institution is run. I loved the sense of community, the beauty of the campus, and the skills I received to thrive beyond the walls of Bryn Mawr!... Read 447 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $34,482

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  5,765 reviews

Senior: I LOVE Temple University! Most of my professors have been nice, fair, knowledgeable and even passionate about what they teach. Temple has a gym on campus, which offers group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and meditation, included in tuition fees. The healthcare I received on campus has always been stellar. The Disability Resource Services offered have been stellar, and the 24-hour TECH Center is a pleasure to spend days in while studying and working on projects. Temple has an app now where you can request a chaperoned walk home in person or virtually, as well as a nightly shuttle that circulates around the edges of campus for those in off-campus housing. Our Marching Band was one of my favorite extra curriculars offering an annual stipend when you join and you get to perform synchronized dances to pop songs at home games on Philly Eagles turf at the LINC. Temple has a strong community feel that makes you want to wear Temple gear and represent no matter your niche. GO OWLS!... Read 5,765 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,224

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Newark, DE•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,585 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the University of Delaware is a 4/5 star school for many reasons! First and foremost, UD has a strong academic program. The professors are knowledgeable and engaging, and the course offerings are diverse and relevant. The school also has a number of resources available to help students succeed, including tutoring services, study groups, and writing centers. In addition to academics, UD has a vibrant campus life. There are a plethora of clubs and organizations to get involved in, as well as sporting events, concerts, and other social activities. The school is located in a beautiful and historic town, which provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Despite these positives, the food on campus can be a bit of a disappointment. While there are a few dining options that are decent, many of the options are overpriced and not particularly tasty. The dining halls in particular often have limited and unappealing options, and the quality can be hit or miss.... Read 3,585 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $19,122

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  3,136 reviews

Sophomore: I would say the only downside is that you have to be pretty headstrong about your college career decisions. Especially with the Cooperative Education at Drexel, you are expected to stay ahead of the curve and be ready for the workforce, simultaneously keeping advisors and professors in the loop about exactly how you need to organise your classes. The great thing about it applies to students who know how to go out and get what they’re looking for and are self-reliant. I recommend making friends with your professors and being willing to work outside of the bounds of Drexel, because the system is pretty good at following your lead!... Read 3,136 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $26,076

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  887 reviews

Sophomore: I am an incoming sophomore nursing student at La Salle University. I personally really enjoy the school, campus, and my peers. The surrounding area is not the best safety wise, but the school has a great public safety team to keep us safe. The food at the school is not the best, and I hope to see a change in options in this upcoming school year. As a nursing student, I am happy to say that La Salle University has a great program! When looking for nursing schools, the NCLEX passing rate is a huge deal, and I must say that La Salle had one of the highest NCLEX average passing rates of the schools I was looking into. Another really important element is when the nursing students begin clinicals, which is real world experience in the field. La Salle starts clinicals for their students in their sophomore year of school, which means their nursing graduates will be more than ready for work when they graduate. I am very proud to say I am La Salle University nursing student!... Read 887 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $24,130

• SAT range —

• Camden, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  830 reviews

Sophomore: Faculty: The university boasts a dedicated and accomplished faculty comprising experienced professors and researchers who are often recognized for their contributions to their respective fields. Many faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. Civic Engagement: Rutgers University–Camden emphasizes civic engagement and community service. It encourages students to actively participate in service-learning initiatives, internships, and community-based research projects to make a positive impact in the local community and beyond. Campus Life: The university provides a vibrant campus life with a range of student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular. Location: Being located in Camden, the university benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia, one of the major cities in the United States.... Read 830 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $10,104

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Lincoln University, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  857 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at Lincoln was one to remember. It was definitely one of the best decisions I made as far as my athletic and academic career goes. The campus is very family oriented and the student life is lit! Now every school has there down falls in some categories, but I can say that Lincoln does their very best in trying to accommodate and meet the needs of the students. The professors, staff, and faculty also do an exceptional job when it comes to learning. They give hands on experience and challenge you everyday in the classroom to be able to critically think and make the best decisions. Because the university isn’t as big, its easy to make good relationships with your peers, as well as faculty and staff. Lincoln provides many resources and networking opportunities to students to help set them up for success. I would highly recommend anybody looking for a great college experience as far as student life and academics to give Lincoln a high consideration. I love my HBCU!... Read 857 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $14,513

• SAT range 890-1020

• Glassboro, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Senior: When I first came to Rowan University, it was amidst 2020 and the COVID lockdowns. Expectedly, Rowan University didn't handle this well, but what school did? My first year was absolutely atrocious, it genuinely felt as though I was imprisoned. All classes were online, no activities were schedule across campus in hopes of reducing the spread of the illness, and the food was bad. However, I truly got to see what this University had in store once these restrictions were lightened and eventually lifted. The professors are extremely welcoming and conversive, activities galore, and overall it became the college experience that I assume everyone would imagine. The only issue that I see is that commuters may have an issue with the school as parking can be limited at the time. If Rowan University fixed that issue then it would be perfect as in every other way they are always working towards their improvement!... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $21,425

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,085 reviews

Junior: Saint Joseph's University is a private Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, liberal arts, sciences, and health professions. The university is known for its strong commitment to Jesuit values, emphasizing a holistic education, social justice, and community service. Students at Saint Joseph's have access to diverse academic resources, experiential learning opportunities, and a supportive campus community. The university's location in Philadelphia provides students with rich cultural experiences and opportunities for internships and networking.... Read 1,085 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $33,438

• SAT range 1120-1310

• Glenside, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  1,268 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at Arcadia when I was a student. It was an incredibly special place to be because of the students who went there, and the faculty members’ commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive environment. The coursework was sometimes rigorous, but there was always help available. Professors were easy to talk to. If you would like to try out campus work study, there used to be some great programs you could participate in. Remember to consider the vast study abroad program; there were many great places to go. Sadly, Arcadia does not seem to be the place that it was anymore. There are good intentions I think, but it is now being ran more like a business than a place of education. It sounds hollow and focused on marketing and key words, and the magic that drew me to apply is missing. I won’t tell you to write it off, because I got so much of my early experience there- but at least visit first. See it it still feels like a good fit for you.... Read 1,268 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $26,949

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Collegeville, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  481 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed the small class sizes and the dedication and attentiveness of the professors. Academically, it's a great school, though I can only speak for the arts (my major was French literature), not science - and Ursinus is well-known for its focus on biology and the sciences. Being a language major, I wished that there were French courses in geopolitics, communication, and history, rather than solely literature. But I knew that going in. Socially, there was too much of an emphasis on Greek life, and hazing was rampant and unchecked by the school. Because of the small school size there also was not a lot going on and we used to complain about that, but looking back, that aspect forced us to be creative in the ways we spent our time. There were a good number of clubs, but silly 20-year-old me did not take advantage of those. It was also encouraged and really popular to study abroad, which was an amazing opportunity.... Read 481 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $31,438

• SAT range 1200-1360

• Saint Davids, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  875 reviews

Junior: When I first arrived at Eastern University I was fascinated by the nature. It is a very beautiful campus filled with many animals, flowers, and life. As I became more involved with campus activities, I found it easy to make friends, talk to professors, and find stuff to do. SAB runs many events where students are able to go to Flyers games, Phillies games, and Washington D.C. Another thing I love is how Eastern is super diverse and gives everyone an opportunity to be themselves and make an impact. All in all, my three years at Eastern have been amazing, and I can't wait to make more memories!... Read 875 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $24,199

• SAT range 1010-1190

• West Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Junior: So far while being at West Chester University I have had wonderful professors in the early grades preparation major. You can tell that the professors are dedicated and love what they do. They are there to make you the best educator you can be. As well as none education professors, all the professors on campus are there for your success and want what is best for you. West Chester also offers so many fun opportunities for students. Being apart of an organization on campus, I get to witness all the hard work that is put into these fun opportunities, clubs, and organizations for students to be involved in!... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 1070-1250

• New Castle, DE•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  620 reviews

Junior: There are several reasons why my experience attending Wilmington University is great. The college environment is healthy and friendly. The accounting program that I’m in is doing a great job teaching me the information and giving me the tools that I need to succeed in the accounting field. The knowledge of have gained from the overall business program (as opposed to solely the finance core classes) has tremendously helped me expand my usefulness to my future employer(s). Some of the online classes are better than others because some of the professors have surpassed others by using video lectures, Zoom meetings, written and presentative resources, and just overall did better than other professors. I think all schools probably have this fluctuation in consistency. I am completely satisfied with the education I have received and WilmU and equally as important, the cost was affordable enough where I could pay cash. This is an excellent deal for a quality education.... Read 620 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,780

• SAT range —

• Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  809 reviews

Senior: My Widener University experience has been everything but bland. The opportunities are endless, from research trips, to campus jobs, access to experiences in my field, celebrating homecoming, or cheering on our basketball team as they became 2023 MAC Commonwealth Champions this year. As an involved student, with a Physics, Secondary Education major, and a Mathematics minor, Widener made it easy for me to have success both inside and outside of the classroom. I have had opportunities in the field such as substitute teaching in a local school district, and I was able to take a research trip to another state and collaborate with other students through astronomy research. Outside of school, I have the opportunity to work on campus as an ambassador, participate in community service, and meet some of my best friends who I attend sporting events, bingo, or other activities around campus with! I appreciates Widener's dedication to academics as well as other enriching college experiences.... Read 809 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $25,343

• SAT range 1080-1240

• Media, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  639 reviews

Sophomore: Many students appreciate the supportive and dedicated faculty at Delaware County Community College. They often highlight the personalized attention and guidance they receive, which contributes to their positive learning experience. The college's commitment to affordability and accessibility also resonates well with students. One area where some students would like to see improvement is the availability of resources and facilities. Expanding library resources, updating technology infrastructure, and creating more collaborative spaces could enhance the overall learning environment. Additionally, fostering a stronger sense of community and student engagement through clubs, events, and extracurricular activities could contribute to a more vibrant campus life. Overall, while Delaware County Community College has several positive aspects, focusing on infrastructure, community building, and career-oriented support can further enhance the student experience.... Read 639 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,178

• SAT range —

• Aston, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  627 reviews

Sophomore: I genuinely have had such an amazing time at Neumann so far. I play a sport here and I have always been able to rely on my team and coaches for support. Everyone here from the staff to the student are welcoming and inviting to those around them. The school is really receptive to new ideas and always makes an active effort to have activities on campus that every student can participate in. I am a nursing student here and we have lot of academic resources that are readily available for all students. The professors truly want to see everyone succeed and excel in their courses, even when the content is challenging. Our residence halls are pretty nice and the RAs always try to have events for all of the students.... Read 627 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $28,325

• SAT range 900-1090

• Immaculata, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  310 reviews

Niche User: I will be attending IU in the fall. Every experience I have had to date with IU has been nothing but exceptional! The guided tour was so thorough and informative and the tour guide was a recent graduate from IU who now is employed as well by Immaculata. He was so passionate and positive about all aspects of the campus and programs. I was able to spend the night in a dorm and shadow students. I participated in classes associated with Music Therapy and Music Education. It was a great experience. There was always someone waiting to take me to my next destination. It was such a smooth process and I really got a lot out of the experience. I honestly cannot wait to attend! I attended the "instant decision" day and that was where I learned that I was accepted and was officially the first student accepted for the 2023-2024 school year! We went for the Christmas Carol night. It was simply special and moving. My audition experience was smooth as well. I am so proud to be a Mighty Mac!... Read 310 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $28,510

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  441 reviews

Junior: I have never had an experience in a school like I have when I got to college. I debated on what college I would attend but when the decision day had finally come around I knew I made the right choice to attend chestnut hill college. it is one of the safest, cleanest, nicest environments with great educators and staff. I would not have attended another school because I fit right in at chestnut hill college. It did not take long to connect with people. The curriculum is not horrible and everything makes since why certain classes are put into the curriculum or into a schedule for students because its what the state and the school require. I also like their department for learning disabilities, they have been so helpful since before I started attending the college. they make the college experience go smoothly. as a test taker who has anxiety and has always struggled with learning disabilities they help make things less complicated.... Read 441 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $26,658

• SAT range 900-1090

• Langhorne, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  539 reviews

Freshman: As a high school senior, I did not know what to expect when visiting a college or university. But I will say, Cairn University has exceeded my expectations in an incredible way. Not only is the student body incredibly welcoming, accepting and kind, but the faculty is amazing too! In the few times that I have been on the campus, everyone has been so encouraging to me, not only as a prospective student, but as an individual. When visiting classes, the professors actually allowed me to participate! I feel that the way the faculty interacts with the students is what makes Cairn so successful. The students have the support they need to persevere in their work, no matter how rigorous the class.The school offers so many opportunities to participate in activities even outside class. A great way to make solid friendships and to be involved. I even read a report that Cairn is the 3rd safest school in the nation! I am really looking forward to doing my undergraduate work at Cairn.... Read 539 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $26,380

• SAT range 1000-1250

• Cheyney, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.22 out of 5  290 reviews

Sophomore: Cheyney University is a great small HBCU college that focuses on getting its students ready for life after college. It’s campus is very safe and historical, being that it’s the first HBCU in the United States of America. Cheyney itself has many pros, but some cons of the university is that there are some poor professors, lack of a variety of food when it comes to people who don’t eat meat, problems with the dorms and housing units and not so great sports teams (their football team was also cut, so this would not be a great school for football players).... Read 290 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,339

• SAT range —