Political Science and Government at Bemidji State University

Minnesota political science programs cluster tightly around $35,000-40,000 in first-year earnings, and based on comparable programs statewide, Bemidji State likely falls near the lower end of that range. The estimated $35,104 represents the state median, putting it roughly $5,000 behind the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and several liberal arts colleges, though exactly in line with what similar programs produce nationally. For a bachelor's degree in a field with limited immediate career paths, these numbers reflect the reality: many graduates pursue entry-level government work, nonprofit positions, or continue to graduate school rather than stepping directly into high-paying roles.

The estimated debt of $22,517 sits slightly below both state and national medians for this major, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. That's the strongest element here—if you're borrowing at these levels, you're likely looking at monthly payments around $250, which is workable even on these modest starting salaries. The trade-off is clear: political science rarely commands premium wages right out of school, but reasonable debt keeps the investment from becoming burdensome.

The key question is career trajectory. If your child plans to attend law school, pursue public policy graduate work, or enter fields where this degree serves as a stepping stone, the combination of affordable debt and a respected state university credential makes sense. If the plan is to enter the workforce immediately, understand that $35,000 earnings put many career goals—like rapid loan payoff or financial independence—several years down the road.