Political Science and Government at Houghton University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests manageable repayment for a political science degree, though the estimated $35,158 first-year earnings figure—drawn from 47 similar programs across New York—lands right at both state and national medians. This puts Houghton's program squarely in the middle of the pack. The estimated $23,500 in debt is typical for bachelor's degrees in this field, requiring monthly payments around $260 on a standard plan, which would consume roughly 9% of gross monthly income. That's workable, but leaves little cushion for graduates who don't land jobs immediately or who pursue lower-paying public service positions common among political science majors.

The real challenge lies in what political science graduates actually do after college. Many use this degree as a stepping stone to law school, graduate programs, or government work that may require additional credentials. If your child plans to continue their education, that debt becomes a foundation rather than a finish line. The statewide data suggests New York political science programs produce fairly consistent outcomes—there's no dramatic premium for attending Houghton specifically, but also no significant penalty. Elite programs in the state (Columbia, Cornell) produce nearly double these earnings, though those schools select from different applicant pools.

For families comfortable with moderate debt and confident their student has a clear post-graduation plan—whether graduate school, public service, or private sector work—these numbers present a viable path. Without that plan, the middle-of-the-road earnings make this a field where intentionality matters more than the credential itself.