Political Science and Government at Franklin College

Political science bachelor's graduates from comparable Indiana programs typically earn around $35,000 in their first year—essentially matching the national median for this major. Franklin College's estimated debt load of $27,000 is slightly above both state and national benchmarks, though the 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees. What's missing here is clarity on whether Franklin's program offers advantages that justify choosing it over state universities like Ball State or Purdue, where similar programs produce first-year earnings approaching $40,000.

The concern isn't that this path is impossible—political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to law school, graduate programs, or public service careers where early earnings tell an incomplete story. But based on peer programs in Indiana, you're looking at roughly three-quarters of a year's salary in debt for credentials that perform at the state median. Notre Dame and DePauw graduates earn significantly more, suggesting that institutional reputation matters considerably in this field.

If your child is set on political science at a small liberal arts college and has specific reasons to prefer Franklin's environment, the estimated debt burden isn't catastrophic. But have an honest conversation about post-graduation plans. Without law school or graduate studies in the picture, those first-year earnings may persist longer than you'd hope, and the premium Franklin charges over attending a state school needs to deliver value in networking, mentorship, or preparation that justifies the investment.