Political Science and Government at Chestnut Hill College

Pennsylvania's political science programs show stark divides, with top institutions like Penn and Lehigh placing graduates at $50,000-plus while typical programs—where Chestnut Hill appears to fall based on comparable schools—hover around $37,500. That estimated first-year salary, derived from 28 similar bachelor's programs across the state, sits just above the national median for this field. It's enough to make the estimated $26,000 debt load manageable, with graduates owing roughly eight months of earnings.

The bigger question is career trajectory. Political science degrees often serve as launching pads for graduate school, law school, or public sector work where early salaries don't tell the full story. With 47% of Chestnut Hill students receiving Pell grants, many families here are looking at educational mobility, not just immediate payback. The estimated debt burden is reasonable compared to national norms ($23,500), but parents should recognize that first-year earnings in this field rarely support independent living in Philadelphia without additional financial support or second incomes.

The absence of actual graduate outcomes here makes it difficult to assess whether Chestnut Hill's smaller program produces better or worse results than the state average suggests. For families weighing this investment, the key factor is what comes after graduation: graduate school plans, career networks, or specific public service goals that justify patience with early earnings.