Political Science and Government at Avila University

A bachelor's in political science with first-year earnings around $37,000—typical for Missouri programs in this field—leaves graduates with a manageable but meaningful debt load when estimated borrowing reaches $24,000. That 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio sits right at the threshold where financial stress begins, particularly given that political science careers often require unpaid internships or low-paying entry positions in government, nonprofits, or campaign work before graduates find their footing.

What makes Avila's situation worth scrutinizing is the school's broader profile. Nearly half its students qualify for Pell grants, and the average SAT of 942 suggests many arrive needing significant academic support. Political science graduates typically need strong writing and analytical skills to compete for the better-paying positions that push earnings toward $40,000 or higher—outcomes that peer Missouri programs like Truman State and Mizzou have demonstrated are achievable. Whether Avila provides the rigor to develop those capabilities is the critical unknown that these estimates can't answer.

The bottom line: Missouri's political science programs cluster tightly around $36,000-$38,000 in first-year earnings, so if your student chooses this path at Avila, they should expect to compete directly with graduates from larger state universities while potentially carrying similar debt. The program needs to offer clear advantages—whether through Kansas City connections, personalized attention, or specific career preparation—to justify selecting it over lower-cost alternatives that produce comparable outcomes.