Political Science and Government at Cornell College

Choosing a political science degree means confronting modest earnings across the board—the national median sits at just $35,627 one year out, and similar programs in Iowa suggest starting around $36,662. Cornell College's estimated outcomes align with this reality: first-year earnings that match Iowa's median paired with debt of roughly $21,138. That 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees, but the absolute salary figure demands attention. This isn't a path to quick financial independence.

The debt picture here actually works in Cornell's favor. At an estimated $21,138, it sits below both the state median ($23,750) and national median ($23,500) for political science programs. Even with the modest starting salary typical of the field, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $215—tight but feasible on a $36,000 income. The real question isn't whether the debt is manageable, but whether political science itself positions graduates for the careers they're imagining, particularly if law school or graduate study isn't part of the plan.

For families considering Cornell, understand that these are estimates drawn from peer institutions, not tracked outcomes of actual Cornell graduates. The broad takeaway: you're looking at a degree that typically requires patience and likely additional credentials to reach stronger earning potential. If your child is set on political science, the lower debt load matters more than chasing marginally higher starting salaries at pricier schools.