Political Science and Government at Mary Baldwin University

Based on peer political science programs across Virginia, Mary Baldwin's estimated first-year earnings of $41,501 align closely with the state median—a solid foundation for a liberal arts degree. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits slightly above both Virginia and national averages, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 remains manageable, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle monthly payments while building their careers. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves many first-generation and lower-income families who may particularly need that manageable debt load.

The earnings trajectory tells an important story: similar Virginia programs show graduates earning $43,421 by year four, representing only modest growth from the initial salary. This pattern is typical for political science graduates who often enter public service, nonprofits, or pursue graduate education—fields where early earnings stay relatively flat. Top programs in the state like Liberty and UVA show first-year earnings around $45,000-$47,000, suggesting location, network strength, and institutional prestige matter in this field.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers point to a relatively safe bet compared to many bachelor's degrees, but not a financially transformative one. The debt burden appears sustainable on typical political science salaries, which is the crucial threshold. However, recognize that these estimates reflect broader state patterns rather than Mary Baldwin's specific outcomes, so connecting with recent graduates about their actual career paths would add valuable clarity to your decision.