Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,428
95th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$25,000
6% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$46,428$57,775$25,0000.54
Ashland UniversityAshland$28,910$44,455$45,212$26,7380.60
Xavier UniversityCincinnati$48,125$41,710$55,109$26,0000.62
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$39,807$46,588$26,2180.66
Kenyon CollegeGambier$69,330$39,550$43,685$18,3540.46
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$38,753$51,290$24,6250.64
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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.