Political Science and Government at Colorado College

Colorado College's selective profile—with its 20% admission rate and 1445 average SAT—suggests strong student credentials, yet similar political science programs in Colorado point to modest first-year earnings around $37,800. That figure trails the state's top performers like CU Denver and Boulder, which both place graduates above $39,900. For a highly selective private institution, parents might reasonably expect an earnings premium that doesn't clearly emerge here, at least not in year one.

The estimated $24,600 in debt produces a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, falling comfortably within reasonable territory for any bachelor's degree. However, this debt level exceeds what comparable Colorado programs typically produce (the state median sits at $20,700), suggesting students here borrow more while earning roughly what peers at less selective schools achieve initially. The 14% Pell grant rate indicates this is largely a full-pay environment, meaning families should be particularly attentive to the total cost picture beyond just loans.

The practical reality: Political science graduates from peer programs in Colorado don't command premium starting salaries regardless of institutional prestige, and this program's estimated outcomes reinforce that pattern. If your child is drawn to Colorado College's distinctive block plan or campus culture, understand you're paying for the experience and network rather than demonstrably superior early-career earnings. That may be worthwhile, but it's a lifestyle choice rather than a financial optimization.