Political Science and Government at Indiana University-South Bend

The estimated debt burden here looks manageable—peer programs at similar Indiana institutions suggest around $20,000 in loans, which compares favorably to the $25,686 state median for political science degrees. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, graduates would need roughly seven months of gross income to cover what they've borrowed, assuming earnings track with comparable programs in the state.

However, the earnings trajectory tells a more stagnant story. Similar political science programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $34,944, barely budging to $35,440 by year four. That's essentially flat income growth over three years, which matters when you're trying to build financial independence in your twenties. For context, Notre Dame's political science graduates start at $55,316—nearly 60% higher—though that's admittedly an elite comparison. Even Ball State and Purdue graduates typically earn $39,000+, suggesting IU South Bend's program may not be opening the same doors professionally.

The real concern is what happens after that fourth year. If earnings remain in the mid-$30,000s while peers advance, the initial debt advantage disappears quickly. Political science degrees often require graduate school or strategic career positioning to pay off. For a student committed to law school, graduate study, or nonprofit work where connections matter more than starting salary, this could work. But if your child expects the bachelor's degree alone to launch a stable career, these estimates suggest they'd be entering a competitive job market at a disadvantage compared to graduates from Indiana's flagship campuses.