Median Debt
$24,233
3% above national median

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Marshall University$31,743$24,233
American Public University System$56,763$73,582$18,3040.32
Fairmont State University$34,992$25,8780.74
West Virginia University Institute of Technology$30,286$51,171$23,2500.77
West Virginia University$30,286$51,171$23,2500.77
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Other Political Science and Government Programs in West Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
American Public University System
Charles Town
$8,400$56,763$18,304
Fairmont State University
Fairmont
$8,454$34,992$25,878
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley
$8,064$30,286$23,250
West Virginia University
Morgantown
$9,648$30,286$23,250

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Marshall University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.