Political Science and Government at Middlebury College

Middlebury's political science program produces earnings that dwarf typical outcomes in this field. At $59,026 in the first year, graduates earn 66% more than the national median for political science majors and 51% more than Vermont's state median. This places the program at the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide—a rare alignment that signals exceptional career preparation regardless of your geographic reference point. The debt load of $19,500 is manageable at just one-third of first-year earnings, especially considering Vermont's typical political science graduate carries $24,382.

The network effect here is real: Middlebury's 10% admission rate and highly selective student body create connections that translate into competitive job placements. Political science programs often struggle to deliver strong early earnings, but this one clearly breaks that mold. Earnings growth to $67,080 by year four is solid, though not spectacular—the real value is the strong starting position that gives graduates leverage in negotiating early career moves.

For families concerned about the liberal arts payoff, this program offers concrete reassurance. You're looking at immediate post-graduation earnings that exceed what many political science majors achieve years into their careers, paired with debt that won't constrain your child's choices about graduate school or public service work.