Political Science and Government at Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport's political science graduates start earning more than most peers and see solid growth over time—first-year earnings of $43,508 jump to $58,043 by year four, a 33% increase that outpaces the typical trajectory for this degree. Nationally, this program lands in the 85th percentile, well above the median of $35,627. Within Virginia, however, it's more middle-of-the-pack at the 60th percentile, trailing flagship programs like UVA and Liberty by a few thousand dollars but staying competitive with similar regional universities.

The debt picture is reasonable: $23,250 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. That's manageable territory, and the strong earnings growth suggests students gain traction in their careers relatively quickly. Political science often requires graduate school or strategic career pivoting to maximize earnings, but CNU graduates appear to be navigating that transition effectively given the upward trajectory.

For parents evaluating cost versus outcomes, this program delivers solid returns compared to most political science degrees nationwide, though not the absolute strongest in Virginia. The combination of manageable debt and above-average earnings growth makes it a defensible choice for students serious about leveraging a political science degree—particularly if they're planning to stay in the Hampton Roads region where CNU's network is strongest.