Analysis
In Ohio, Political Science bachelor's programs produce widely varying outcomes, and Notre Dame College's estimated figures land squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs at similar institutions in the state, graduates here face roughly $26,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $37,345—a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not impressive. The four-year earnings jump to $41,708 shows some growth, though it still trails behind what students at Miami University-Oxford or Ashland University typically achieve with the same degree.
The challenge is knowing whether Notre Dame's specific program performs better or worse than these state averages. Political science degrees can lead to diverse careers—from government work to nonprofit management to corporate roles—and outcomes depend heavily on internship quality, career services, and individual networking. At a school where 39% of students receive Pell grants, many families are counting on every dollar to matter.
For parents evaluating this investment: the estimated debt level won't be crushing, but there's no evidence this program delivers exceptional career outcomes either. If your child is passionate about political science and values Notre Dame's environment, the numbers suggest it's workable. But if they're choosing between schools, look hard at graduation rates, internship pipelines, and actual job placement—those details matter more than statewide averages can capture.
Where Notre Dame College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame College | — | $41,708 | — |
| Denison University | $31,272 | $59,094 | +89% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $46,428 | $57,775 | +24% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $35,977 | $57,749 | +61% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $27,477 | $55,318 | +101% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,606 | $37,345* | $41,708 | $26,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $46,428* | $57,775 | $25,000* | 0.54 | |
| $28,910 | $44,455* | $45,212 | $26,738* | 0.60 | |
| $48,125 | $41,710* | $55,109 | $26,000* | 0.62 | |
| $41,788 | $39,807* | $46,588 | $26,218* | 0.66 | |
| $69,330 | $39,550* | $43,685 | $18,354* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Notre Dame College, approximately 39% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 26 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.