Political Science and Government at Assumption University

Assumption University's political science program starts graduates at $38,496—above the national median but notably below Massachusetts' state median of $43,010. Among the 42 schools offering this program in Massachusetts, Assumption ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning graduates earn less than most other political science majors in the state. This gap widens when you compare to elite programs: Tufts grads earn $67,713, nearly double Assumption's starting salary.

The program's strongest asset is its debt profile. At $27,000, graduates carry just slightly more than the national median, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, and the 54% earnings growth to $59,247 by year four suggests graduates find their footing in the job market after a slower start.

Here's the practical reality: Your child will graduate with reasonable debt but earning less than most Massachusetts political science peers. If they're committed to staying in-state and pursuing graduate school or public sector work (where early earnings matter less), this works. But if immediate career prospects matter and you're comparing to other Massachusetts options, the below-state-median earnings should factor heavily into your decision. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—these numbers could look quite different with more data.