Political Science and Government at Northeastern State University

Based on comparable programs in Oklahoma, political science graduates can expect to earn around $37,400 in their first year—placing them right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $35,600. The estimated $23,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly 7 months of their first-year salary. For a public university serving a substantial population of students on financial aid (42% receive Pell grants), these numbers suggest reasonable accessibility without excessive borrowing.

The caveat worth understanding: these figures come from peer institutions in Oklahoma rather than tracked outcomes of Northeastern State's specific graduates, so they represent what similar programs typically produce rather than guaranteed results. What we do know is that political science degrees at this credential level cluster fairly tightly in Oklahoma—the range among reported programs runs from about $33,500 to $38,000—suggesting the field has relatively predictable entry-level outcomes regardless of which state institution you attend.

For families evaluating this program, the debt load appears workable given typical starting salaries, but political science careers often require graduate education or strategic networking to unlock higher earning potential. The real question isn't whether the bachelor's degree is affordable—it likely is—but whether your student has a clear plan for leveraging it beyond that first job.