Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,345
Est. from OH median (26 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from OH median (11 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ohio Christian UniversityCircleville$23,700$37,345*$26,000*
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$46,428*$57,775$25,000*0.54
Ashland UniversityAshland$28,910$44,455*$45,212$26,738*0.60
Xavier UniversityCincinnati$48,125$41,710*$55,109$26,000*0.62
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$39,807*$46,588$26,218*0.66
Kenyon CollegeGambier$69,330$39,550*$43,685$18,354*0.46
National Median$35,627*$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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.