Political Science and Government at Edgewood College

Based on comparable political science programs across Wisconsin, Edgewood's graduates likely face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58—meaning roughly seven months of gross salary to cover student loans. The estimated $22,500 debt figure sits below both the state and national medians for this major, while projected first-year earnings of $38,634 align exactly with Wisconsin's typical outcomes. That positions this program in the middle of the pack financially, though notably behind the UW System schools that dominate the top-performing programs in the state.

The challenge for political science degrees generally—and likely for Edgewood's program—is that first-year salaries in the high $30,000s can feel tight when managing loan payments, even with modest debt levels. Similar programs suggest graduates often need to pursue graduate education or build career capital through internships and networking to reach stronger earning potential. Madison's robust state government and nonprofit sector may offer advantages here, but the earnings gap compared to nearby UW-Madison ($42,063) and UW-Oshkosh ($42,366) suggests you'll want to understand what distinguishes Edgewood's program beyond location.

If your child is drawn to political science for its own sake and has realistic expectations about entry-level public sector or advocacy work, the estimated debt load shouldn't derail their plans. But if they're uncertain about the career path or expecting immediate financial independence, the moderate earnings relative to cost deserves a frank conversation before committing.