Political Science and Government at North Carolina Central University

The first-year earnings of $24,948 for North Carolina Central's political science program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better immediate outcomes. While graduates see strong 68% earnings growth over four years, that initial salary barely covers the $31,000 debt burden, creating a challenging financial start for graduates from a school serving predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible students.

The gap with other North Carolina programs is substantial. Duke and Wake Forest graduates earn roughly double initially, but even peer institutions like NC A&T ($42,310) and UNC-Chapel Hill ($41,200) start their political science graduates at significantly higher salaries. At the 25th percentile among North Carolina programs, NCCU falls below the state median of $32,780, suggesting students might find better value at other in-state public options.

The math here is difficult: with first-year earnings barely above $25,000, managing $31,000 in debt—higher than both state and national medians for this field—will strain most household budgets. Political science often leads to graduate school or public service careers, which could explain the lower initial earnings, but families should carefully consider whether this specific program positions students competitively. The strong earnings growth suggests career momentum builds, but weathering those first years requires either substantial family support or accepting that student loans will consume a significant portion of early paychecks.