Political Science and Government at CUNY Queens College

CUNY Queens College's political science program is half the cost of typical bachelor's degrees nationally ($11,000 vs. $23,500), making it an outlier even among New York schools where median debt runs $22,672. That 95th percentile ranking for low debt represents genuine value, particularly for the nearly half of students here receiving Pell grants.

The earnings trajectory tells an interesting story. While first-year earnings of $34,863 lag slightly behind both state and national medians, four years out graduates reach $52,478—a 51% increase that suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through. This pattern is common for political science majors who often start in entry-level positions before moving into policy, government, or advocacy roles. By year four, these graduates are earning roughly $17,000 more than the state median for political science degrees, though still well below elite private schools like Columbia or Cornell.

For families weighing cost versus career outcomes, Queens College offers a clear value proposition: minimal debt burden with solid mid-career potential. The initial salary may feel modest, but that 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can comfortably manage payments while building the professional networks and experience this field requires. If your child is considering government work, nonprofits, or graduate school—common paths for political science majors—starting with just $11,000 in debt rather than $23,500 creates meaningful financial flexibility.