Political Science and Government at Indiana University-Indianapolis

IU Indianapolis's Political Science program demonstrates something unusual for this field: strong earnings growth that transforms initial modest outcomes into solid mid-career prospects. Graduates start at $36,535—just above the national and state medians—but see earnings jump 53% to $55,980 within four years. That trajectory matters more than the starting point, especially in a field where many graduates need time to establish themselves in policy, nonprofit, or government roles.

The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $18,500, graduates borrow about $7,000 less than Indiana's median for this program and roughly $5,000 below the national benchmark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 means first-year salary covers the debt twice over—manageable even during those leaner early years. Among Indiana's political science programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt well below average, a combination that only the state's most selective programs (Notre Dame, DePauw) clearly outperform.

The real question is whether your student can navigate those first few years when earnings lag behind peers in more immediately lucrative fields. If they're willing to invest time building experience—through internships, entry-level positions, or graduate credentials—this program offers a cost-effective path into the field. The 81% admission rate means access isn't an obstacle, and the relatively modest debt load provides flexibility to pursue opportunities that prioritize growth over immediate salary.