Political Science and Government at California State University-Dominguez Hills

Cal State Dominguez Hills graduates face an unusual challenge: their first-year earnings of $25,837 rank in just the 5th percentile nationally for political science majors, starting nearly $10,000 below California's median. However, by year four, salaries jump to $56,203—a remarkable 118% increase that vaults them above Berkeley grads and close to Stanford levels. The key question is whether students can weather those difficult early years.

The low debt burden of $10,268 (well below both state and national medians) offers crucial breathing room during that initial period. Even with weak starting pay, the debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable at 0.40. This matters especially given that 61% of students receive Pell grants—for lower-income students, graduating with half the typical debt while attending a campus near home can justify accepting lower early earnings.

The trajectory here is everything. If your student can secure support during years one through three—whether through living at home, part-time work, or family assistance—the long-term outcome competes with California's elite programs. But if they need immediate earning power to cover loans or living expenses, schools where political science grads start at $45,000+ deserve serious consideration. This program rewards patience, not immediate financial independence.