Political Science and Government at Manchester University

Indiana political science programs show a wide range of outcomes, from Notre Dame's $55,000 to figures closer to $35,000 at most state schools. For Manchester, peer programs in Indiana suggest starting earnings around $34,900—essentially at both the state and national median for this major. Combined with an estimated $27,000 in debt, this creates a manageable 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio, though graduates would still face several years of loan payments on an entry-level salary.

The challenge for political science majors is less about the debt load and more about career trajectory. These degrees open doors to government, nonprofits, law school preparation, and advocacy work—fields where graduate credentials or years of experience often determine earning power. Similar programs in Indiana suggest first-year salaries that require careful budgeting, particularly in a region where public sector and nonprofit roles may dominate the job market. The 44% Pell grant population indicates Manchester serves many families for whom every dollar of debt matters.

Your child should have a concrete plan for what comes after graduation. If law school or graduate study is the goal, that adds significant additional cost to consider. If direct employment is the path, understanding realistic salary expectations in their target field—whether that's local government, campaigns, or advocacy—will clarify whether this estimated debt level is sustainable on those wages.