Analysis
In Oregon's competitive political science landscape, comparable programs suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—squarely in line with both state and national medians for this degree. For a bachelor's degree at a small private institution with a 90% admission rate, these projected outcomes place Corban's program in familiar territory, neither leading nor lagging the pack of 15 similar programs across the state.
The estimated $24,625 in debt translates to a 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly two-thirds of their first-year salary. That's manageable by federal standards but worth scrutinizing carefully. Similar programs nationally carry slightly less debt (around $23,500), and Oregon's public universities—Oregon State and University of Oregon—appear to produce comparable earnings, likely with lower net costs for in-state students. The gap matters when you're committing to a private school price tag for outcomes that peer institutions may deliver more affordably.
The practical question is straightforward: can your family justify private school tuition for a political science degree that produces earnings indistinguishable from larger, less expensive alternatives? If Corban offers something specific—connections to Salem's government sector, a particular academic approach, or a community that fits your child's needs—those intangibles need to carry real weight. Otherwise, the estimated numbers suggest you're paying a premium without a clear earnings advantage to show for it.
Where Corban University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,208 | $36,022* | — | $24,625* | — | |
| $12,594 | $39,157* | $59,559 | $24,260* | 0.62 | |
| $13,494 | $39,157* | $59,559 | $24,260* | 0.62 | |
| $62,350 | $38,784* | — | —* | — | |
| $15,669 | $36,022* | $55,828 | $20,183* | 0.56 | |
| $11,238 | $35,173* | $44,469 | $23,818* | 0.68 | |
| 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 Corban University, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.