Analysis
Similar programs in Oregon suggest George Fox's Political Science bachelor's produces first-year earnings around $36,000—essentially matching the state median for the field. With estimated debt of $24,625, that creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, which sits in manageable territory compared to many liberal arts degrees. The national picture for political science hovers in the same range, so this appears consistent with what the major typically delivers anywhere.
The challenge is that political science rarely leads to immediate financial payoff. Graduates often need graduate school, internships, or years of career building before seeing strong returns. Starting at $36,000 in Oregon means tight budgets in cities like Portland, where entry-level nonprofit or government positions—common destinations for poli sci majors—don't stretch far. The $24,625 debt load isn't catastrophic, but it's real money when you're earning $3,000 a month before taxes.
Without actual data for George Fox specifically, you're making an investment based on what peer programs produce rather than this school's track record. If your child is headed to law school or committed to public service work that offers loan forgiveness, that changes the equation. But if they're uncertain about next steps or hoping the degree alone will open doors, the estimated numbers suggest modest financial prospects that mirror the field nationally—not a George Fox-specific problem, but not a quick path to financial security either.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,940 | $36,022* | — | $24,625* | — | |
| $12,594 | $39,157* | $59,559 | $24,260* | 0.62 | |
| $13,494 | $39,157* | $59,559 | $24,260* | 0.62 | |
| $62,350 | $38,784* | — | —* | — | |
| $15,669 | $36,022* | $55,828 | $20,183* | 0.56 | |
| $11,238 | $35,173* | $44,469 | $23,818* | 0.68 | |
| 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 George Fox University, approximately 27% 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 7 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.