Political Science and Government at Arcadia University

Pennsylvania's political science bachelor's programs cluster tightly around $37,500 in first-year earnings, which is where Arcadia's comparable programs suggest this degree lands. That puts it within striking distance of the national median but nowhere near the state's elite liberal arts outcomes—Penn and Bucknell graduates start at $65K and $53K respectively, highlighting how institutional prestige dramatically affects political science earnings. The estimated $26,000 debt load is typical for Pennsylvania programs at this level, creating a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be workable with disciplined budgeting during those early career years.

The challenge here is career trajectory. Political science degrees often serve as launching pads for graduate school, law school, or competitive government positions—paths that may require additional credentials and debt before reaching comfortable earnings. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, $37,500 goes further in Pennsylvania than in coastal metros, but it's not generous compensation. The debt is handleable, but only if there's a clear plan for what comes after the bachelor's degree—whether that's building experience in a specific sector, pursuing further education, or leveraging the degree for entry into adjacent fields like communications or nonprofit management where earnings potential grows faster.