Political Science and Government at Brandeis University

Brandeis graduates who studied Political Science start modestly at $43,770, but their earnings jump 38% to over $60,000 within four years—a trajectory that distinguishes this program from the typical political science degree. While first-year earnings land near Massachusetts' median for the field, the rapid growth suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into career-track positions rather than staying in entry-level roles.

The program sits at the 60th percentile among Massachusetts political science degrees, trailing elite competitors like Tufts ($67,713) and Harvard ($61,543), but outperforming the national field substantially (86th percentile). Debt is unremarkable at $23,333—basically the national norm—resulting in a comfortable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that modest first year. By year four, when earnings reach $60,589, the debt becomes even less consequential.

For families considering Brandeis' $80,000+ annual price tag, the key question is whether financial aid will bring costs down to something resembling this program's typical debt load. If your child graduates with debt near the $23,333 median, the math works: they'll earn enough to manage payments while building toward solid mid-career earnings. But if aid falls short and debt climbs significantly higher, the slower initial earning trajectory compared to top Massachusetts programs becomes a real constraint.