Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,220

Est. from RI median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,125

Est. from RI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Johnson & Wales' Political Science program sits in an unusual position—the school is known for culinary and hospitality programs, not political science, and the limited data here reflects that niche focus. Similar programs across Rhode Island suggest first-year earnings around $39,220, which actually exceeds the national median for political science graduates by roughly $3,600. That's somewhat encouraging, though it's worth noting this estimate draws from only six programs statewide, and Rhode Island's higher cost of living may account for some of that premium.

The estimated debt of $25,125 is slightly above the national median but manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. For context, the state's top political science programs show a wide range—from Brown's $54,634 down to URI's $31,649—and the estimated figure here would place this program in the middle of that pack. The question is whether a school without a strong political science reputation can deliver networking and internship opportunities comparable to Rhode Island's established liberal arts colleges, particularly when 30% of students receive Pell grants and may need those connections most.

The practical concern: you're banking on estimated outcomes from peer programs rather than a track record from this specific degree path. If your child is set on political science, programs with actual reported data offer more predictable returns.

Where Johnson & Wales University-Providence Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence	$40,408	$39,220*	—	$25,125*	—
Brown UniversityProvidence	$68,230	$54,634*	$72,438	$14,481*	0.27
Providence CollegeProvidence	$60,848	$43,911*	$61,041	$27,000*	0.61
Bryant UniversitySmithfield	$51,169	$41,112*	$66,316	$23,250*	0.57
Roger Williams UniversityBristol	$42,666	$37,327*	—	$27,000*	0.72
University of Rhode IslandKingston	$16,408	$31,649*	$54,781	$20,500*	0.65
National Median	—	$35,627*	—	$23,500*	0.66

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence, approximately 30% 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 6 similar programs in RI. Actual outcomes may vary.