Political Science and Government at Eastern Mennonite University

Virginia's political science programs typically produce first-year earnings around $41,500, which is where similar programs at Eastern Mennonite appear to track. That puts this program roughly in line with the state median but behind Liberty, UVA, and George Mason, where graduates launch at $45,000-$47,000. The estimated $27,000 debt load is slightly above Virginia's typical $23,750 for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65—manageable but not exceptional.

The challenge here isn't the debt level itself; it's what political science degrees generally require for career momentum. Many graduates need additional credentials or specific internship experiences to access higher-paying positions, meaning that first-year figure often represents just the starting point of a longer investment. When peer programs in Virginia produce similar outcomes, the decision hinges less on the major itself and more on what Eastern Mennonite specifically offers—network access, internship pipelines, or preparation for graduate school.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether your student has a clear post-graduation plan. The debt won't be crushing, but it's real enough that drifting after graduation would strain finances. If your student is thinking law school, public policy, or advocacy work, this provides a reasonable foundation. Without that direction, comparable outcomes might be available at Virginia's public institutions with potentially lower sticker prices.