Analysis
Miami University-Oxford's political science program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for graduate earnings—an impressive achievement that reflects the university's strong alumni network and career services. A year after graduation, typical students earn $46,428, far exceeding both the national median of $35,627 and Ohio's median of $37,344. By year four, earnings reach nearly $58,000, demonstrating solid career progression rather than stagnation.
The state context deserves attention, though. While this program tops most Ohio political science programs (outperforming Xavier, Kenyon, and Ohio University), it still trails Ashland University by about $2,000. Within Ohio specifically, it sits at the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional. The $25,000 median debt matches the state average and is actually below the national benchmark, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. For context, this means graduates owe about half their first-year salary, which is quite reasonable for a liberal arts degree.
The combination of below-average debt and substantially above-average earnings creates a clear value proposition, particularly when compared to the typical political science program nationwide. Miami's relatively accessible admissions (82% acceptance rate) makes this opportunity available to more students. If your child wants to study government and work in Ohio, this program delivers strong outcomes without crushing debt burdens.
Where Miami University-Oxford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $46,428 | $57,775 | +24% |
| Denison University | $31,272 | $59,094 | +89% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $35,977 | $57,749 | +61% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $27,477 | $55,318 | +101% |
| Xavier University | $41,710 | $55,109 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,809 | $46,428 | $57,775 | $25,000 | 0.54 | |
| $28,910 | $44,455 | $45,212 | $26,738 | 0.60 | |
| $48,125 | $41,710 | $55,109 | $26,000 | 0.62 | |
| $41,788 | $39,807 | $46,588 | $26,218 | 0.66 | |
| $69,330 | $39,550 | $43,685 | $18,354 | 0.46 | |
| $6,178 | $38,753 | $51,290 | $24,625 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Miami University-Oxford, approximately 11% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 143 graduates with reported earnings and 194 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.