Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,022
Est. from OR median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,625
Est. from national median (223 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Corban UniversitySalem$37,208$36,022*—$24,625*—
Oregon State University-Cascades CampusBend$12,594$39,157*$59,559$24,260*0.62
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis$13,494$39,157*$59,559$24,260*0.62
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland$62,350$38,784*——*—
University of OregonEugene$15,669$36,022*$55,828$20,183*0.56
Portland State UniversityPortland$11,238$35,173*$44,469$23,818*0.68
National Median—$35,627*—$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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.