Political Science and Government at Fordham University

Fordham's political science graduates start modestly at $42,000 but hit $65,000 by year four—a 56% jump that outpaces most liberal arts programs. This trajectory matters more than the initial number: while first-year earnings land at the 60th percentile among New York's 81 political science programs, they're climbing toward something more substantial. With debt under $25,000, graduates face a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as their careers gain momentum.

The real question is whether you're comfortable with that early-career patience. Columbia and Cornell graduates start at $60,000+, but their students also typically carry heavier debt loads and face stiffer competition. Fordham occupies a practical middle ground: competitive enough to open doors in New York's political and nonprofit sectors, affordable enough that your child won't be crushed by payments while building experience. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable, not flukes.

This works best for students who understand that political science careers often require strategic first moves—campaign work, think tank internships, government positions—before the real earning potential kicks in. The four-year data suggests Fordham graduates are successfully making those transitions. If your child is self-motivated and willing to hustle early on, the program delivers solid returns without the Ivy price tag.