Political Science and Government at Molloy University

A $23,500 debt load for first-year earnings around $35,000—typical figures among New York's political science programs—creates a manageable but modest financial starting point. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, meaning roughly eight months of gross income to cover educational debt. That's workable on paper, though it assumes steady employment in a field where many graduates pivot to graduate school, nonprofit work, or entry-level positions that don't always translate immediately into higher salaries.

What matters here is the gap between Molloy and the state's top performers. Elite programs like Columbia and Cornell place political science graduates at $60,000+—nearly double the typical New York outcome—reflecting both institutional prestige and the networks those schools provide. Molloy's 76% admission rate and moderate SAT profile suggest a different student experience, one where outcomes may depend heavily on internships, location advantages (Long Island proximity to New York City), and individual initiative rather than automatic credential value.

For families considering this investment, the question centers on post-graduation plans. If law school, public policy graduate programs, or other advanced degrees are likely—common paths for political science majors—the bachelor's becomes a stepping stone, and minimizing undergraduate debt becomes critical. If immediate employment is the goal, that estimated $35,000 starting salary demands careful budgeting, especially in high-cost New York.