Political Science and Government at Averett University

Drawing from what similar political science programs in Virginia typically produce, Averett appears to track closely with state norms—estimated first-year earnings around $41,500 match the Virginia median exactly, while the projected $27,000 debt load runs slightly above the state's typical $23,750. That 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would need to allocate roughly eight months of their first year's salary to cover educational debt, a manageable but meaningful commitment for a field not known for high starting salaries.

The broader context matters here: political science bachelor's degrees rarely command premium wages straight out of college, with the national median sitting at just $35,627. Averett's estimated outcomes actually look stronger than the national picture, though they trail the state's flagship programs (UVA and Liberty both report mid-$40,000s). For a moderately selective private institution serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, these estimated figures suggest neither exceptional returns nor alarming burdens.

The reality is that political science degrees often serve as launching pads for graduate school, law school, or public service careers where initial earnings understate long-term potential. If your child plans to stay in Virginia and enter the workforce immediately, these estimates suggest they'd face typical debt obligations for the field. If advanced degrees are on the horizon, factor in how additional borrowing would compound that $27,000 baseline.