Political Science and Government at Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut's debt picture looks solid—$27,000 is manageable, sitting below both the state median of $22,375 and the national median of $23,500 for political science programs. Based on comparable programs across Connecticut, first-year earnings of around $37,000 suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, meaning graduates would owe about three-quarters of their first year's salary. By year four, earnings climb to $42,647, which tracks reasonably with the state's mid-tier programs like Southern Connecticut State and Fairfield.

What's worth noting is that Connecticut political science programs span a wide range—from Yale's $57,466 starting point down to Eastern Connecticut's estimated position in the middle of the pack. The state's median of $37,009 reflects this reality: not every political science degree commands the same market value, and Eastern Connecticut's more accessible price point (with lower debt) may offset what it doesn't deliver in immediate earning power. The four-year earnings bump suggests steady career progression rather than quick returns.

For a family weighing this program, the key question is whether $42,647 four years out justifies the investment when peer programs produce similar outcomes. The debt load won't be crushing, but the earnings trajectory is modest. If your child is considering public service, nonprofits, or graduate school—common paths for political science majors—this represents a practical entry point without the debt burden that could limit those choices.