Analysis
Endicott College's political science program lands squarely in the middle of Massachusetts outcomes—similar programs in the state suggest around $43,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $25,000 in debt. That 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, though it's worth noting that political science grads at elite Massachusetts schools like Tufts and Harvard earn $20,000+ more in their first year, creating a significant earnings gap that compounds over time.
The $43,000 starting point matches the Massachusetts median for political science programs but outpaces the national figure by about $7,400, which matters when considering that many political science graduates need graduate school or relocate to Washington D.C. or other policy hubs to advance. Based on peer programs at similar Massachusetts institutions, graduates here are earning enough to service their debt without crisis, but they're not positioned for the faster earnings trajectory that opens doors to competitive graduate programs or expensive urban markets where political careers often develop.
The core question is whether this program justifies its cost versus state university alternatives that likely produce similar outcomes at lower debt levels. If your child is set on political science and values Endicott's smaller environment, the estimated financial picture suggests reasonable—not problematic—debt. But if they're uncertain about the major or might need flexibility to pursue unpaid internships or graduate school, that $25,000 debt load becomes more constraining when stacked against the modest starting salaries typical of this field.
Where Endicott College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,212 | $43,011* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $67,844 | $67,713* | $65,957 | $17,725* | 0.26 | |
| $59,076 | $61,543* | $89,043 | —* | — | |
| $67,280 | $61,125* | $59,433 | —* | — | |
| $64,860 | $56,817* | $79,779 | $10,750* | 0.19 | |
| — | $52,516* | $65,006 | $22,579* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Endicott College, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 30 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.