Political Science and Government at American International College

A $25,000 debt load for a bachelor's degree in political science appears manageable at first glance—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, since these figures are estimated from comparable Massachusetts programs rather than actual outcomes for AIC graduates, there's meaningful uncertainty here. The estimated first-year earnings of $43,011 align exactly with the state median, suggesting political science grads from similar Massachusetts institutions typically land in middle-income territory, well above the national figure of $35,627. That said, this field shows extraordinary variance: top programs in the state produce graduates earning $60,000-$67,000 right out of college, while AIC's estimated outcomes suggest more modest returns.

For a family considering this investment, the key question is whether these estimates reflect AIC's actual placement strength. The school's 97% admission rate and high proportion of Pell-eligible students (50%) suggest it serves a different population than the elite programs commanding the field's highest salaries. If the estimates hold true, graduates would need roughly six months of gross earnings to cover their debt—a reasonable proposition. But political science often requires graduate school for career advancement, which could add substantial debt to these baseline figures. Verify actual placement outcomes directly with AIC's career services before committing, particularly regarding what percentage of graduates secure relevant employment versus pursuing further education.