Political Science and Government at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's political science program shows promising earnings growth but starts from a concerning position relative to other Washington options. At $33,173 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $7,000 less than the state median for this degree and rank in just the 25th percentile among Washington's political science programs. That gap matters in a state where competitors like University of Washington and Whitworth consistently produce outcomes in the low $40,000s.

The 36% earnings jump by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the job market, reaching $45,089—which actually surpasses most Washington programs. The debt load of $21,412 is reasonable and below the state median, creating a manageable first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65. However, that initial earnings disadvantage means recent graduates face tighter budgets during those crucial first years when many are establishing themselves professionally and personally.

The fundamental question is whether the eventual earnings recovery justifies the slower start, especially when other Washington public universities deliver stronger outcomes from day one. For families prioritizing immediate post-graduation financial stability or living in-state for affordability, this program's early-career weakness represents a real tradeoff. Students who can weather the lower initial earnings—perhaps through family support or lower cost-of-living areas—may find the long-term trajectory acceptable, but other Washington options provide steadier financial ground from graduation forward.