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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,265 | $37,345* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $46,428* | $57,775 | $25,000* | 0.54 | |
| $28,910 | $44,455* | $45,212 | $26,738* | 0.60 | |
| $48,125 | $41,710* | $55,109 | $26,000* | 0.62 | |
| $41,788 | $39,807* | $46,588 | $26,218* | 0.66 | |
| $69,330 | $39,550* | $43,685 | $18,354* | 0.46 | |
| 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 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.