Political Science and Government at Cameron University

Based on comparable political science programs in Oklahoma, Cameron's graduates likely earn around $37,400 in their first year—putting them right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $35,600. The estimated $23,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. For a liberal arts degree, this represents solid positioning, particularly when serving a student body where 41% receive Pell grants.

What's important to understand is that political science earnings tend to evolve significantly with career development. Entry-level roles in government, nonprofits, or campaign work often start modestly, but the degree opens doors to graduate programs in law, public administration, or policy analysis where earning power increases substantially. Oklahoma's lower cost of living makes that $37,400 more livable than it might sound elsewhere, though it still requires careful budgeting if loan payments kick in immediately.

The practical reality: if your child plans to leverage this degree toward law school or a master's program within a few years, the estimated debt load shouldn't derail those plans. If they're heading straight into the workforce, they should expect a tight first year financially but not an impossible one. The uncertainty here comes from the small graduate sample—actual outcomes could vary—so connecting with Cameron's career services about specific placement patterns would add valuable clarity.