Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,345
Est. from OH median (26 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from OH median (11 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Political Science programs across Ohio, Cedarville graduates typically enter the workforce earning around $37,345β€”squarely in line with state and national benchmarks for this degree. That's reasonable for the field, though it trails stronger performers like Miami University ($46,428) and Ashland University ($44,455) by notable margins. With an estimated debt load of $26,000, the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, particularly compared to many liberal arts degrees where students often carry heavier burdens relative to their starting salaries.

The challenge lies in the uncertainty itself. Because Cedarville's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, these figures represent what similar Ohio programs produce rather than verified results from this specific institution. The school's 15% Pell grant population and 1246 average SAT score suggest a student body that may have different career trajectories than the state median programs used to generate these estimates.

For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated numbers don't raise immediate red flagsβ€”the debt-to-earnings picture looks workable if your child plans to enter typical entry-level policy, advocacy, or administrative roles. But without confirmed graduate outcomes, you're making a decision with less visibility than you'd have at programs with published data. If your child is considering graduate school (common for political science majors pursuing law or public policy), factor in additional debt beyond these estimates.

Where Cedarville University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Cedarville UniversityCedarville$36,078$37,345*β€”$26,000*β€”
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$46,428*$57,775$25,000*0.54
Ashland UniversityAshland$28,910$44,455*$45,212$26,738*0.60
Xavier UniversityCincinnati$48,125$41,710*$55,109$26,000*0.62
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$39,807*$46,588$26,218*0.66
Kenyon CollegeGambier$69,330$39,550*$43,685$18,354*0.46
National Medianβ€”$35,627*β€”$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cedarville University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 26 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.