Political Science and Government at Drew University

Drew University's political science program generates earnings that lag behind most New Jersey alternatives, and that gap is particularly striking given the state's strong public university options. At $35,171 one year out, graduates earn slightly below both the state median ($35,610) and national benchmark ($35,627), landing in the 40th percentile among New Jersey programs. Meanwhile, nearby Rutgers campuses produce graduates earning $39,723, and The College of New Jersey hits $40,229—meaningful differences when you're managing $27,000 in debt on an entry-level salary.

The one encouraging signal here is the earnings trajectory: income jumps 50% by year four to nearly $53,000, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in careers that reward experience. But that initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means spending the first year or two in a tight financial position, especially compared to lower-cost state schools where debt typically runs closer to $25,000.

With a sample size under 30 graduates, these numbers could shift substantially year to year, making this more directional than definitive. But the pattern is clear enough: unless Drew offers specific networking advantages or graduate school preparation your child values, the Rutgers system delivers better earnings outcomes at a lower sticker price for the same degree.