Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at Gallaudet University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,985

Est. from DC median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,250

Est. from DC median (5 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in Political Science from Gallaudet, based on comparable DC programs, appears to align with typical outcomes for the region. With estimated first-year earnings around $49,000 and debt near $23,250, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 falls within a manageable range—graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This positions Gallaudet's program competitively among DC's eight political science offerings, where peer institutions report earnings spanning from $44,000 to $55,000.

What makes this context particularly relevant is that DC's political science graduates typically earn significantly more than the national median of $36,000, likely reflecting the concentration of government, advocacy, and policy organizations in the capital. Similar programs in DC suggest Gallaudet graduates enter a job market where their degree credential connects directly to local employment opportunities. The estimated debt level matches closely with both state and national norms for this major, avoiding the premium borrowing sometimes seen at competing DC universities.

For families evaluating this investment, the numbers suggest a reasonable financial proposition if your student is committed to political science and values Gallaudet's unique educational environment. The debt appears serviceable on typical entry-level earnings, though these estimates deserve verification through direct conversations with the university about actual graduate outcomes once their cohorts grow large enough for public reporting.

Where Gallaudet University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (8 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Gallaudet UniversityWashington	$18,382	$48,985*	—	$23,250*	—
Georgetown UniversityWashington	$65,081	$55,247*	$74,225	$16,500*	0.30
George Washington UniversityWashington	$64,990	$51,537*	$72,844	$23,000*	0.45
University of the District of ColumbiaWashington	$6,152	$49,935*	—	$36,562*	0.73
American UniversityWashington	$56,543	$48,034*	$62,267	$23,250*	0.48
The Catholic University of AmericaWashington	$55,834	$44,617*	$61,154	$25,000*	0.56
National Median	—	$35,627*	—	$23,500*	0.66

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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 Gallaudet University, approximately 54% 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 6 similar programs in DC. Actual outcomes may vary.