Political Science and Government at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon's Political Science program appears to underperform its institutional reputation. While the university is among the nation's most selective—with an 11% admission rate and 1545 average SAT—comparable programs within Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $37,500. That places it solidly at the state median but notably below what peer Pennsylvania institutions with reported data actually deliver: Penn graduates start at $65,500, while Lehigh, Bucknell, Lafayette, and Villanova all report outcomes above $46,500. For a school competing at Carnegie Mellon's level of selectivity, landing at the state average raises questions about whether this particular program leverages the institution's strengths.

The estimated $26,000 debt burden is manageable relative to those earnings—the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates should be able to handle loan payments. But this is still typical debt for a state where Political Science programs cluster around similar outcomes. The lack of reported data for this specific program means we're relying on state-wide patterns, which may not capture what Carnegie Mellon's distinctly technical and interdisciplinary environment actually produces for its politics majors.

If your child is drawn to Carnegie Mellon specifically, understand they're likely paying a premium tuition for outcomes that appear—based on peer programs—to be middle-of-the-pack for Pennsylvania. Unless they plan to pair this degree with the school's renowned technical programs or leverage its unique networks, other Pennsylvania options show clearer evidence of stronger early career returns.