Political Science and Government at National University

California's political science programs typically produce first-year earnings around $35,000, which is where National University's graduates likely land based on similar programs in the state. That modest starting point becomes more significant when paired with an estimated $23,000 in debt—higher than the state median of $17,500 for comparable political science degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 means graduates face roughly eight months of gross income in student loans, a manageable but not insignificant burden for an entry-level salary.

The challenge here isn't just the numbers—it's the context. California's top political science programs launch graduates into substantially higher earnings, with Stanford and Santa Clara placing alumni above $57,000 and even UC Berkeley hitting $45,000. National University's program, drawing from comparable outcomes statewide, produces earnings 35% below Berkeley's despite carrying similar debt loads. For a degree that often serves as a stepping stone to law school, graduate programs, or public service careers that don't immediately pay well, starting at $35,000 with debt creates a tighter financial runway.

For parents, this means your child would likely need a clear plan beyond the bachelor's degree—whether that's pursuing competitive graduate programs, securing internships that lead to better-positioned entry jobs, or understanding they'll spend several years managing debt on a modest public sector or nonprofit salary. The degree itself is reasonably priced relative to debt, but the earnings trajectory makes the next steps critical.