Political Science and Government at Miami University-Oxford
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all political science and government bachelors programs nationally.
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 Ohio
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $46,428 | $57,775 | $25,000 | 0.54 |
| Ashland University | $44,455 | $45,212 | $26,738 | 0.60 |
| Xavier University | $41,710 | $55,109 | $26,000 | 0.62 |
| Capital University | $39,807 | $46,588 | $26,218 | 0.66 |
| Kenyon College | $39,550 | $43,685 | $18,354 | 0.46 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $38,753 | $51,290 | $24,625 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland University Ashland | $28,910 | $44,455 | $26,738 |
| Xavier University Cincinnati | $48,125 | $41,710 | $26,000 |
| Capital University Columbus | $41,788 | $39,807 | $26,218 |
| Kenyon College Gambier | $69,330 | $39,550 | $18,354 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $38,753 | $24,625 |
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.