Political Science and Government at Capital University

Capital University's political science program lands solidly in the middle tier among Ohio programs, outperforming the state median by about $2,200 annually while keeping debt reasonable at $26,218. The first-year salary of $39,807 means graduates start with manageable debt—about 66% of their annual earnings—and that ratio improves as salaries climb 17% to $46,588 by year four. Nationally, the program punches above its weight at the 73rd percentile, though the sample size here is under 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than these numbers suggest.

The comparison to Ohio's top programs reveals a meaningful gap. Miami University graduates earn about $7,000 more annually, and even mid-tier competitors like Ashland have a clear edge. Still, Capital's program costs less upfront than many alternatives—ranking in the 21st percentile nationally for debt—which matters for families watching the bottom line. The $26,000 debt load is modest enough that career pivots or graduate school remain realistic options without overwhelming financial pressure.

For parents concerned about return on investment, this is a middle-of-the-road choice: not the standout performer in Ohio's market, but not a financial strain either. If your student is considering Capital for other reasons—location in Columbus for internships, smaller class sizes, campus fit—the political science program won't derail their finances. Just don't expect it to outpace competitors in pure earning power.