Political Science and Government at Lycoming College

Political science programs in Pennsylvania produce first-year earnings that cluster tightly around $37,500—exactly where comparable programs suggest Lycoming graduates land. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69, meaning graduates would owe roughly 8 months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a liberal arts degree, though it's worth noting that Pennsylvania's top political science programs—like Penn ($65,473) and Lehigh ($53,632)—generate substantially higher early earnings.

The challenge with political science at any institution is the field's slow earnings trajectory. These peer program estimates suggest typical starting salaries in the mid-to-high $30,000s, which leaves little cushion for the 40% of Lycoming students from Pell-eligible families who may have additional financial pressures. The degree's value depends heavily on what comes next: law school, graduate programs, or strategic career moves that build on the credential. Without those pathways, the debt load remains serviceable but the earnings ceiling stays low.

For families considering Lycoming's political science program, the estimated figures point to a fairly standard outcome for Pennsylvania liberal arts colleges outside the elite tier. The debt burden won't be crushing, but neither will first-year earnings provide much breathing room. If your student is passionate about politics or policy and has a clear plan for leveraging the degree—internships, networking, or further education—this represents a workable foundation. Without that strategic approach, though, similar earnings outcomes are available at lower-cost public alternatives.