Political Science and Government at Caldwell University

Based on comparable programs in New Jersey, this bachelor's in political science would leave students carrying roughly $27,000 in debt while earning around $35,600 in their first year—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 that falls within manageable territory. Similar programs across the state typically produce nearly identical outcomes, and these estimates align closely with the national median for this field. The $27,000 debt figure sits slightly above the state average, though it's notably less than what many private institutions charge for the same degree.

The challenge lies in what these estimated numbers reveal about political science degrees broadly: even top performers in New Jersey rarely break $40,000 in first-year earnings unless you're looking at Princeton's outlier results. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (46%), this matters. A graduate making $35,600 with $27,000 in debt will need several years to pay down their loans comfortably, and career advancement in political science often requires graduate education or pivoting into adjacent fields like public administration or advocacy work.

The estimated figures here suggest Caldwell's program likely tracks with typical New Jersey outcomes rather than commanding a premium or discount. If your child is passionate about political science and plans to build specific career skills through internships or has a clear path beyond entry-level work, this debt load won't derail them. But they should enter knowing the financial trajectory starts modest and requires strategic planning beyond the bachelor's degree itself.