Political Science and Government at Huntington University

A $27,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a manageable starting point—the 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio falls below the threshold where loan payments typically strain budgets. Based on comparable political science programs across Indiana, Huntington graduates would start near the state median, though well behind the state's stronger performers like Notre Dame ($55,316) or DePauw ($44,224).

The challenge here isn't crushing debt but modest early earnings. Similar programs in Indiana suggest first-year salaries in the mid-$30,000s, which translates to roughly $2,900 monthly before taxes. After loan payments of perhaps $300 monthly, that leaves limited room for urban living expenses if your student heads to Indianapolis or Chicago for government or nonprofit work—the typical destinations for political science graduates. Indiana's political science programs cluster tightly around this $35,000 mark at the median, with only the most selective schools breaking significantly higher.

For families considering Huntington's program, the financial proposition depends heavily on career path. If your student plans for law school or graduate work (common for this major), the undergraduate debt stays reasonable. For those entering the workforce directly, peer programs suggest a tight first few years financially, though not an insurmountable burden. The real investment question is whether a smaller Christian university environment justifies similar costs to larger state schools that place graduates at comparable starting salaries.