Political Science and Government at Central Connecticut State University

The first-year earnings of $25,270 will shock most parents, and they should be shocked—this ranks in just the 10th percentile among Connecticut's political science programs. However, the four-year picture tells a more complete story: earnings nearly double to $49,000, a 94% jump that suggests many graduates pursue graduate degrees or entry-level positions that eventually lead to better opportunities. Still, even after this growth, the program significantly trails both the state median ($37,000) and national median ($35,600) for first-year earnings, putting graduates behind their peers from the start.

The $18,689 debt load is actually lower than both state and national averages, which provides some cushion during that difficult first year when the debt-to-earnings ratio hits 0.74. By year four, the financial picture stabilizes considerably. But compare this trajectory to other Connecticut options: Yale and Connecticut College graduates start where CCSU grads end up after four years, and even Southern Connecticut State—another public university—delivers $41,000 in first-year earnings.

For a student committed to political science at a public institution, this program offers affordability but requires accepting a notably slower start than peers across Connecticut. If graduate school or public service work is the plan, that may be fine. Otherwise, parents should push their student to explain why this program over Southern Connecticut State, which offers stronger earnings from day one at a similar price point.