Political Science and Government at Beloit College

Beloit College's political science program appears to deliver earnings right at Wisconsin's state median for the field, though these initial earnings figures are estimates drawn from similar programs rather than actual outcomes for Beloit graduates. With first-year earnings estimated around $38,600 and debt at $26,425, graduates face a manageable debt burden that sits well below the 25th percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of political science programs nationwide saddle students with more debt.

The concerning piece is the four-year data: actual reported earnings of $38,115 suggest little to no income growth in those critical early career years. Meanwhile, top public universities in Wisconsin—Madison, Oshkosh, Stevens Point—consistently produce political science graduates earning $40,000 to $42,000 in their first year. That's a $3,000-$4,000 annual difference that compounds over time, and those schools typically cost less upfront for Wisconsin residents.

For an anxious parent, the question becomes whether Beloit's small liberal arts environment justifies paying more while potentially earning less than graduates from nearby public universities. The debt load itself is reasonable, but without actual earnings data specific to Beloit and with four-year outcomes showing stagnation, you're making this investment decision with significant uncertainty about whether this particular program delivers competitive career outcomes. If graduate school or public service are likely paths, that changes the calculus considerably.