Political Science and Government at Malone University

A $26,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $37,345 creates a manageable starting position, though comparable political science programs in Ohio show a wide range of outcomes. Similar programs across the state suggest graduates typically earn close to the state median, which puts Malone's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of Ohio's political science landscape—not approaching the $46,000+ that Miami University or Ashland University graduates report, but tracking with typical state results.

The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable territory for a liberal arts degree, particularly when measured against peer programs that often see similar or higher debt loads. However, the spread among Ohio schools is striking: top performers generate 20-25% higher first-year earnings, suggesting that program reputation and alumni networks matter considerably in this field. Without reported data specific to Malone's graduates, it's difficult to assess where this program actually lands in that range or whether it connects students to government, nonprofit, or business opportunities that maximize the degree's value.

For a political science bachelor's that costs roughly $26,000 in debt, the key question becomes career trajectory. If your child plans to pursue graduate school—common in this field—the undergraduate debt needs to stay modest, which this appears to do. If they're entering the workforce directly, they'll need strong internship experience and connections to avoid underemployment. The estimated numbers suggest a viable path, but without actual outcomes data, you're placing faith in comparisons rather than demonstrated results from Malone's program specifically.