Political Science and Government at Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Adolphus College's political science program demonstrates something rare: graduates who actually see their earnings accelerate after the first year. While many liberal arts majors see stagnant or declining incomes, these graduates jump from $38,463 to $52,827 in four years—a 37% increase that suggests they're successfully translating their degree into career advancement. Among Minnesota's 23 political science programs, this places in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing schools like Minnesota-Twin Cities but outpacing the state median by nearly $3,400.

The debt picture makes this trajectory more attractive. At $27,000, graduates carry slightly more than typical for the program, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means most will manage payments comfortably even in that modest first year. More importantly, as earnings climb into the low $50,000s by year four, that debt becomes increasingly manageable—a dynamic that matters for a field where graduate school or career pivots are common.

For families weighing a $27,000 investment in a political science degree, Gustavus offers reasonable upside. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides decent reliability, and the earnings growth pattern suggests graduates are developing marketable skills beyond political theory. This isn't the highest-earning political science program in Minnesota, but the combination of manageable debt and clear income growth makes it a credible choice for students serious about the field.