Political Science and Government at Niagara University

A $23,500 debt load for a bachelor's degree sits right at the national median for political science programs, but when paired with first-year earnings around $35,000—typical for New York political science graduates—the financial picture requires careful consideration. The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, meaning your student would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. However, political science careers often start slowly, with many graduates pursuing graduate school, public service positions, or competitive entry-level roles that may not immediately justify the investment.

The challenge here is that while Niagara's estimated outcomes align with state averages, New York's political science landscape is dominated by elite institutions whose graduates command significantly higher starting salaries—Columbia and Cornell grads earn over $60,000 in their first year. Your student would be competing in the same job market with these graduates while starting from a similar debt position. Unless they have a clear career path that doesn't require graduate credentials or plan to leverage Niagara's smaller setting for networking and mentorship opportunities, the return on this investment depends heavily on factors beyond the numbers.

The practical reality: this degree offers middle-of-the-road value in a field where outcomes vary dramatically based on what comes next. If your child is certain about political science and Niagara offers merit aid or other cost reductions, it's workable. Without financial sweeteners or a concrete post-graduation plan, you're banking on potential rather than probability.