Political Science and Government at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver's political science program outperforms its modest selectivity profile, placing graduates in the 73rd percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $39,920. That's $4,300 above the national median for political science majors and roughly equivalent to what graduates earn from far more selective Colorado schools like UC Boulder and UC Denver. For families looking at accessible, open-admission options, this represents a genuinely competitive outcome in a field where earnings can vary widely.

The financial picture is straightforward: $23,500 in median debt translates to a manageable 59-cent debt burden for every dollar earned in year one, right at the national median for this major. More encouraging is the 11% earnings growth by year four, reaching $44,120—suggesting graduates are finding their footing in careers or graduate programs rather than stalling out. The program ranks at the 60th percentile within Colorado, which is solid given that it costs significantly less to attend than several of the higher-ranked private and flagship options.

For families weighing Metropolitan State against pricier Colorado alternatives, this program delivers comparable early-career outcomes at what's likely a lower total cost. The open-admission model means your student can access these results without the stress of competitive applications, making it a practical choice for students interested in government, law, or policy work who want to stay in the Denver area.