Political Science and Government at Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State's political science program punches above its weight, outperforming nearly two-thirds of Georgia programs despite the university's modest selectivity. Starting at $36,794, graduates earn $4,500 more than the typical Georgia poli-sci grad and surpass the national median as well. More importantly, earnings climb 30% to nearly $48,000 by year four—a trajectory that suggests graduates are successfully converting their degrees into career advancement rather than staying stuck in entry-level positions.

The debt picture reinforces this program's value. At $25,625, borrowing sits at the 29th percentile nationally (meaning 71% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt), while the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. For context, Emory's poli-sci grads earn more initially ($46,629) but likely carry significantly higher debt given that institution's cost structure. Kennesaw delivers respectable outcomes without the premium price tag.

The real story here is accessibility meeting results. Over a third of students receive Pell grants, yet the program still produces earnings that trail University of Georgia by only $3,000 at graduation and close that gap over time. For Georgia families seeking a practical return on a liberal arts degree, this program demonstrates you don't need an elite admission rate to achieve solid financial outcomes in political science.