Political Science and Government at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State Moorhead's political science graduates earn about $33,000 in their first year—roughly $2,000 below both the state and national medians. Among Minnesota's 23 political science programs, this places around the 40th percentile, with top state programs like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earning $7,000 more annually. The manageable debt load of $22,125 (slightly below state and national averages) keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 0.67, meaning graduates can expect to pay back less than a year's salary.

The critical caveat here: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. A few graduates in particularly high or low-paying positions can significantly skew these numbers. That said, the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from a mid-tier regional university—solid affordability but less robust earning potential than flagship institutions or elite liberal arts colleges.

For families prioritizing low debt over maximum earnings, this program delivers on the first count. But if your student is serious about careers where political science credentials matter—policy work, graduate school, competitive government positions—the $7,000 annual earnings gap compared to U of M Twin Cities could compound over time. The modest debt makes this a lower-risk option, but the small sample means you should dig into job placement specifics before deciding.