Analysis
Clark Atlanta University's Political Science program shows a troubling start but impressive recovery trajectory. First-year graduates earn just $28,554—putting them in the bottom 15% nationally and well below Georgia's state median of $32,340. Combined with $27,000 in debt (actually higher than the national median), new graduates face a debt burden nearly equal to their entire first year's salary. For context, Emory and UGA political science graduates start $11,000-$18,000 higher.
However, the 54% earnings jump to $43,992 by year four is noteworthy and suggests graduates eventually find their footing in Atlanta's public sector, nonprofit, or corporate environment. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could vary significantly year to year, and the program serves a predominantly lower-income student body (69% receiving Pell grants), which may explain some of the initial earnings lag.
The question for parents: can your student manage two or three lean years after graduation while building toward that better mid-career outcome? If they're taking on the full $27,000 in loans without family financial support, those first years will be financially tight. Students with lower debt loads or family assistance to bridge the early career gap may find this path more viable than the year-one numbers suggest.
Where Clark Atlanta University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Clark Atlanta University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Atlanta University | $28,554 | $43,992 | +54% |
| Emory University | $46,629 | $56,441 | +21% |
| Georgia College & State University | $34,321 | $55,013 | +60% |
| University of Georgia | $39,842 | $53,229 | +34% |
| Morehouse College | $32,340 | $51,888 | +60% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (31 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Clark Atlanta UniversityAtlanta | $26,446 | $28,554 | $43,992 | $27,000 | 0.95 |
 Emory UniversityAtlanta | $60,774 | $46,629 | $56,441 | $17,590 | 0.38 |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $39,842 | $53,229 | $22,171 | 0.56 |
 Spelman CollegeAtlanta | $30,058 | $39,050 | $47,045 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 University of North GeorgiaDahlonega | $5,009 | $37,227 | $45,932 | $22,026 | 0.59 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $36,794 | $47,926 | $25,625 | 0.70 |
| National Median | — | $35,627 | — | $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 Clark Atlanta University, approximately 69% 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.