Political Science and Government at Manhattan University

Manhattan University's political science program carries $24,375 in median debt—slightly above both the state and national medians for this major—for outcomes that appear to track right at New York's baseline. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, which yields a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. That's manageable on paper, but it means graduates face monthly loan payments of roughly $270 while earning what amounts to entry-level nonprofit or government salaries.

The real challenge here is the opportunity cost. New York houses some of the country's strongest political science programs, and the earnings gap is stark: Columbia and Cornell graduates in this field start around $60,000—nearly double what typical New York poly sci majors earn. Manhattan's 78% admission rate and moderate selectivity suggest it serves a different student population than these elite competitors, but parents should recognize that the political science credential itself doesn't command premium salaries unless paired with exceptional institutional prestige or clear career pathways into law, policy, or competitive graduate programs.

For a family considering this program, the key question is post-graduation plans. If law school or a master's degree is the goal, adding $24,000 in undergrad debt to future educational costs deserves careful calculation. If the bachelor's is the terminal degree, that $35,000 starting salary in expensive New York City will stretch thin even with manageable debt payments.