Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Morehead State University$39,268
Eastern Kentucky University$35,899$47,215$21,4980.60
University of Kentucky$34,745$48,326$21,6670.62
University of Louisville$31,777$46,403$19,5000.61
Bellarmine University$25,424$37,194$25,2260.99
Western Kentucky University$23,294$43,807$20,5000.88
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Other Political Science and Government Programs in Kentucky

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond
$10,130$35,899$21,498
University of Kentucky
Lexington
$13,212$34,745$21,667
University of Louisville
Louisville
$12,828$31,777$19,500
Bellarmine University
Louisville
$47,180$25,424$25,226
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green
$11,436$23,294$20,500

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 Morehead State University, approximately 29% 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.