Political Science and Government at Carroll College

A debt load near $25,000 for first-year earnings of roughly $36,000 creates a manageable but hardly thrilling financial picture for Carroll's political science program. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69—not disastrous, but it means annual payments will eat into entry-level paychecks that are already modest. For context, similar programs at Montana's public universities show slightly higher earnings ($38,000 at University of Montana, $35,000 at Montana State), while typical state debt for these programs runs about $20,800—suggesting Carroll's price point adds roughly $4,000 in borrowing compared to in-state alternatives.

The bigger concern isn't the debt itself but what political science graduates typically do next. These programs often serve as stepping stones to law school, graduate programs, or government careers that require additional credentials. If your child plans any of those paths, you're looking at stacking more debt onto this foundation. The small program size that prevents data reporting could mean either intimate classes or limited networking opportunities—worth investigating directly with the school.

Carroll's selectivity and small student body may offer personalized attention that justifies the private school premium, but the financial returns appear comparable to Montana's public options. If your child is committed to political science and considering graduate school, starting with less debt at a public institution might preserve more financial flexibility for what comes next.