Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,345
Est. from OH median (26 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from OH median (11 programs)

Analysis

Political science bachelor's degrees in Ohio show a wide range of outcomes, and Hiram's estimated figures land squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates likely earn around $37,345 in their first year—essentially matching Ohio's median for this field but trailing schools like Miami University (where grads start near $46,000) by a significant margin. The estimated $26,000 in debt sits slightly above both state and national medians for political science degrees, though the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable compared to many other liberal arts programs.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no actual earnings or debt data reported for Hiram's political science graduates, you're making decisions based on what similar Ohio programs produce rather than this school's specific track record. That's particularly important at a college with a 93% admission rate, where selectivity doesn't naturally limit enrollment to students most likely to succeed in competitive post-graduation outcomes. The estimates suggest a serviceable but unremarkable return—your child could reasonably pay off their debt within a few years if they're disciplined, but they won't have the salary cushion that top Ohio programs provide.

If your child is set on political science at Hiram, understand you're betting on state averages rather than proven outcomes. Consider whether comparable Ohio schools with actual reported data might reduce that uncertainty while keeping costs similar.

Where Hiram College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Hiram CollegeHiram$26,265$37,345*$26,000*
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$46,428*$57,775$25,000*0.54
Ashland UniversityAshland$28,910$44,455*$45,212$26,738*0.60
Xavier UniversityCincinnati$48,125$41,710*$55,109$26,000*0.62
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$39,807*$46,588$26,218*0.66
Kenyon CollegeGambier$69,330$39,550*$43,685$18,354*0.46
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 Hiram 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 26 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.