Political Science and Government at Elmira College

Is a political science degree worth $23,500 in debt when it leads to earnings around $35,000? Based on comparable programs across New York, this appears to be exactly average territory. The estimated first-year earnings of $35,158 match both the state and national medians for political science bachelor's degrees, while the debt load aligns with typical borrowing patterns for similar programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests manageable repayment—graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. However, it's worth noting the dramatic variation within New York: elite programs like Columbia and Cornell report graduates earning over $60,000, nearly double what peer programs in the state typically produce. Elmira's 91% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest it operates in a different competitive tier, which likely explains why its outcomes track closer to state averages than to selective institutions.

For families considering this program, the key uncertainty is whether Elmira specifically outperforms or underperforms these state benchmarks—the suppressed data means we simply don't know. What we do know is that political science degrees at this price point and earnings level are common across New York, representing neither exceptional value nor a red flag. If your child is passionate about political science and has no elite alternatives, this appears viable, but set expectations for modest starting salaries and plan accordingly for loan repayment.