Political Science and Government at Goucher College

In Maryland, political science programs produce widely varying outcomes, from over $60,000 at Maryland Global Campus down to the state median of about $39,600—which is where Goucher's program appears to land based on comparable programs. That first-year figure sits just above the national median for this major but trails Maryland's public universities, where grads typically start in the low-to-mid $40,000s.

The estimated debt load of $26,181 translates to a 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. That's manageable by most standards—federal guidelines suggest staying below 1.0—but the calculation hinges entirely on whether those earnings estimates hold for Goucher specifically. With limited graduate data available, you're essentially betting that this small liberal arts college's outcomes mirror the broader Maryland market rather than underperform it.

The practical concern is whether a $39,600 starting salary justifies the private school premium when Maryland's public institutions offer similar programs with stronger reported earnings and often lower debt. Unless your child values Goucher's specific academic environment or has significant financial aid reducing that debt figure, the economics favor the state schools where actual graduate data shows clearer returns.