Analysis
Based on comparable Political Science programs across Ohio, Cedarville graduates typically enter the workforce earning around $37,345βsquarely 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 flagsβthe 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,078 | $37,345* | β | $26,000* | β | |
| $17,809 | $46,428* | $57,775 | $25,000* | 0.54 | |
| $28,910 | $44,455* | $45,212 | $26,738* | 0.60 | |
| $48,125 | $41,710* | $55,109 | $26,000* | 0.62 | |
| $41,788 | $39,807* | $46,588 | $26,218* | 0.66 | |
| $69,330 | $39,550* | $43,685 | $18,354* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | β | $35,627* | β | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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.