Political Science and Government at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

At first glance, earning under $39,000 might worry you, but this program's 32% earnings trajectory tells a different story. Four years out, graduates average $51,290—putting them well ahead of the typical political science grad nationally and in Ohio. The manageable debt load of $24,625 means your child could reasonably pay this off within five years even at their starting salary, and they'd be hitting their stride financially right when those payments end.

Among Ohio's 52 political science programs, this ranks solidly in the middle on both earnings and debt, but it beats much pricier options. Your child would earn nearly as much as graduates from Xavier or Capital University without the private school price tag. The gap with top-tier programs like Miami University narrows considerably by year four, suggesting strong career momentum for graduates who stick with careers in the field.

The combination of below-average debt with above-average earnings growth makes this a financially sound choice for students committed to political science or related careers. Just keep in mind that sample size is moderate, so individual outcomes will vary—but the fundamentals here are solid enough that this represents a reasonable investment for students who want this degree path without taking on excessive debt.