Political Science and Government at Carlow University

In Pennsylvania, political science bachelor's programs span a vast range—from University of Pennsylvania's $65,000 first-year earnings down to programs earning half that. Based on comparable programs statewide, Carlow's outcomes likely cluster near the state median of $37,500, with debt around $26,000. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, particularly given that 41% of Carlow students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education.

The challenge is context: those earnings sit just above the national median for political science graduates but dramatically trail the state's elite programs. A Penn graduate earns nearly double in their first year, which matters when political science often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or competitive government and nonprofit positions that favor pedigree. Still, peer programs suggest graduates can reasonably service their debt, assuming they secure employment in their field or adjacent sectors.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is post-graduation trajectory. If your student plans law school or public policy graduate programs where Carlow's degree serves as an affordable foundation, the numbers work. If they're heading straight to the job market, understand that political science rarely commands strong immediate earnings anywhere—and without this program's actual outcomes available, you're banking on it performing at least as well as Pennsylvania's mid-tier programs. That's a measured bet, not a guaranteed return.