Political Science and Government at Delaware State University

A $25,000 debt load paired with estimated first-year earnings of $35,627 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70—below the federal government's 1.0 threshold for concerning outcomes. For context, peer political science programs nationally carry similar debt ($23,500 median), though the earnings figure here comes from national patterns rather than reported outcomes specific to Delaware State's graduates. The suppressed data reflects the program's smaller size, not necessarily poor results, but parents should recognize they're making decisions without this school's actual track record.

The estimated earnings of $35,627 align with the national median for political science bachelor's programs, though University of Delaware's reported figure of $31,972 suggests Delaware outcomes may run lower than the national average. Delaware State serves a student population where 43% receive Pell grants, and the $25,000 debt figure—while manageable—represents a more substantial burden for first-generation or lower-income families than raw ratios suggest. Political science degrees typically lead to varied career paths (government, nonprofits, law school preparation), meaning first-year earnings often don't tell the complete story.

The practical question: can your student handle $25,000 in loans on an income that similar programs suggest will be in the mid-$30,000s? If they're headed to graduate school or targeting public service careers with loan forgiveness options, this debt level works. If they need immediate earning power, the absence of actual outcomes data makes this a harder call than programs where you can see verified results.