Political Science and Government at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's political science program shows a familiar pattern: slow out of the gate at $37,000, but strong growth trajectory to $71,000 by year four. That 93% earnings jump suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into careers where a poli-sci degree serves as a foundation—whether that's law school, government work, or private sector roles. At 60th percentile among California's 72 programs, this isn't competing with Stanford or Berkeley's immediate outcomes, but it's solidly middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $17,665, students borrow less than both the national median ($23,500) and roughly match the California median, resulting in a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. For a selective school (30% admission rate) serving primarily non-Pell students, this suggests reasonable net costs after aid.

The key question is whether your student can weather those early years making $37,000 while servicing loans and living expenses. If they're heading to graduate school or have a financial cushion, the later earnings justify the investment. If they need to be financially independent immediately after graduation, that first-year salary—below California's cost of living—could be challenging despite the modest debt load.