Political Science and Government at Alverno College

The estimated $22,500 debt load here falls below both the Wisconsin and national medians for political science programs, which offers some reassurance for a field not known for high starting salaries. Similar programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $38,600—putting this slightly above the national median for political science graduates. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, Alverno serves many families for whom keeping debt manageable matters significantly.

However, context is crucial: the state's top programs—primarily University of Wisconsin campuses—show graduates earning $40,000 to $42,000 in their first year. That $2,000-$4,000 gap might seem modest, but it compounds over time and affects how quickly graduates can tackle their loans. The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, though political science graduates often need additional credentials for career advancement, which means more borrowing ahead.

For families weighing this program, the critical unknown is whether Alverno's specific outcomes align with these state averages or fall below them. The lower debt estimate is promising, but without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting that this program performs at least as well as its peers. If your child is committed to political science and plans carefully for graduate school or strategic internships, the manageable debt provides flexibility—but don't assume the career path will be straightforward without additional credentials or connections.