Political Science and Government at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's political science program starts slow but builds momentum in ways that matter for financially stretched families. While first-year earnings of $32,168 trail both national and California medians, the 48% jump to nearly $48,000 by year four suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into career-track positions. Among California's 72 political science programs, this lands right at the 40th percentile—solidly mid-pack in an expensive state—but the real story is the exceptionally low debt load of just $14,928, well below California's $17,500 median and dramatically better than the national benchmark.

That debt advantage creates breathing room other programs don't offer. Graduates owe less than half what they earn even in their first year out, and by year four, the debt represents just three months of income. Compare that to private alternatives: Stanford grads earn more initially, but many families can't absorb six-figure costs even with superior outcomes. For the 49% of students here on Pell grants, the combination of accessible tuition and eventual salary growth to the upper $40,000s makes this a practical path into government, nonprofits, or graduate school without crushing debt.

The tradeoff is patience. If your child needs immediate high earnings, this isn't the program. But for families prioritizing affordability while maintaining solid long-term prospects, Cal State Long Beach delivers exactly what a public university should: manageable debt and steady career progression.