Political Science and Government at Montana State University

Montana State's political science program starts graduates at $35,476—slightly below both the national median and Montana's state median—but the story improves significantly over time. By year four, graduates earn $47,816, representing 35% growth that outpaces typical political science trajectories. However, within Montana, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile, trailing The University of Montana by nearly $3,000 in first-year earnings.

The debt picture offers genuine relief: at $20,540, graduates carry notably less debt than the national median ($23,500), translating to a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—workable for a liberal arts degree, especially given the strong earnings trajectory that follows.

The catch is that initial placement. If your child lands in nonprofit work, government, or graduate school prep, that $35,476 starting point will feel tight, even with moderate debt. The 35% earnings jump suggests many graduates move into better-paying roles by their mid-twenties, but banking on that growth requires patience and possibly additional credentials. For a politically engaged student planning to stay in Montana, this represents a practical choice with contained costs—just expect a lean first few years before earnings catch up.