Political Science and Government at Lake Erie College

In Ohio, political science graduates face a wide earnings spread, and based on what similar programs typically produce, this program lands right in the middle of the pack. The estimated $37,345 first-year salary matches the state median exactly, but it falls notably short of the top-performing Ohio programs—Miami and Ashland graduates start nearly $10,000 higher. With an estimated $26,000 in debt (slightly above the state median of $25,000), you're looking at a manageable but not particularly advantageous debt load for the earnings level.

The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, meaning the estimated debt equals about eight months of first-year income. That's workable for most graduates, though the relatively modest starting salary means loan payments will feel more significant in your budget than they would for higher earners. Political science degrees often lead to graduate school or public sector jobs where initial pay is lower but long-term prospects vary widely—this field rewards strategic career planning more than most.

The practical question is whether Lake Erie College's smaller program (hence the suppressed data) offers networking or placement advantages that justify costs similar to larger Ohio schools. Without actual outcomes data, you're taking on faith that this program performs like its peers. If your child is committed to graduate school or a specific career path in politics or law, the degree can be a stepping stone—just know they'll need to be intentional about what comes next to make the investment pay off.