Political Science and Government at Cabrini University

Pennsylvania's political science programs show dramatic variation—from University of Pennsylvania's $65,000 outcomes to programs producing first-year earnings under $40,000. Based on comparable programs across the state, Cabrini's political science graduates likely earn around $37,500 in their first year, which tracks closely with the statewide median but trails far behind Pennsylvania's elite liberal arts colleges where graduates earn $45,000-$65,000.

The estimated $26,000 debt load is manageable relative to those first-year earnings, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. This is better than many liberal arts programs nationally. However, the real question is whether political science—a field notorious for requiring graduate school for career advancement—will provide sufficient earning growth without additional credentials. Many political science grads find themselves in entry-level nonprofit, government, or administrative roles where salaries climb slowly.

For families counting on a bachelor's degree alone to launch a career, understand that $37,500 represents a modest starting point. If your child plans to pursue law school, public policy grad programs, or other advanced degrees, factor those additional costs into your calculation. If they're hoping to enter the workforce directly, this program appears aligned with typical outcomes for mid-tier Pennsylvania schools—neither exceptional nor problematic—but won't deliver the premium that Pennsylvania's most competitive programs command.