Analysis
A political science bachelor's degree from Geneva College appears to track closely with typical Pennsylvania outcomes, though the actual figures for this specific program aren't publicly available. Based on the state's 28 political science programs with reported data, first-year earnings around $37,500 align almost exactly with Pennsylvania's median—and slightly above the $35,600 national benchmark. The estimated $26,000 in debt also matches what's typical for similar PA programs.
The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would need to allocate roughly 69% of their first year's salary to eliminate debt immediately—a manageable but not comfortable position. For context, Pennsylvania's political science programs span a dramatic range: Penn graduates start around $65,000, while this program's estimated trajectory sits in the middle tier alongside many state schools. That gap matters if your child is weighing Geneva against both elite private universities and lower-cost public options.
The practical reality: political science degrees rarely lead to high immediate earnings regardless of where you study, and this program appears representative of that pattern. If your child needs this credential for law school, graduate studies, or public service work, the debt load is reasonable. But if the goal is financial independence right after graduation, $37,500 won't stretch far in covering living expenses while managing loan payments—and that's assuming the estimates hold true for Geneva specifically.
Where Geneva College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (72 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,610 | $37,534* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $66,104 | $65,473* | $86,353 | $14,722* | 0.22 | |
| $62,180 | $53,632* | $75,918 | $21,150* | 0.39 | |
| $64,772 | $53,012* | $69,853 | $26,000* | 0.49 | |
| $62,574 | $48,112* | $71,924 | $13,640* | 0.28 | |
| $64,701 | $46,549* | $72,272 | $25,620* | 0.55 | |
| 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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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 28 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.