Analysis
Ohio's political science programs show a stark divide, with top performers reaching $46,000 in first-year earnings while comparable programs in the state typically produce graduates earning around $37,000. Based on similar programs in Ohio, this pathway suggests earnings right at the state median—workable, but nowhere near what graduates from Miami or Ashland can expect.
The estimated debt load of $26,000 creates a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, slightly above the state median of $25,000 but not dramatically so. For a private Christian university with a 40% admission rate, this represents a fairly typical financial outcome for the credential. The real question is whether bachelor's-level political science positions in Ohio's smaller markets pay enough to make the degree worth pursuing over alternative paths into public service, nonprofit work, or business roles that might not require this specific credential.
Given the limited actual data available for this specific program, families should request placement outcomes directly from Ohio Christian—where do recent graduates actually land, and what are they earning in their first jobs? The gap between estimated median earnings and what schools like Miami University produce suggests that institutional prestige and network matter significantly in this field. If your student is committed to political science, understand that the degree itself may serve more as a foundation for graduate school or law school rather than a direct career launcher.
Where Ohio Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,700 | $37,345* | — | $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 Ohio Christian University, approximately 34% 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.