Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,401
Est. from OK median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,625
Est. from national median (223 programs)

Analysis

A Political Science degree from Oklahoma Baptist University carries an estimated debt load of $24,625β€”slightly above what peers typically face nationally but comparable to other Oklahoma programs. Based on similar programs in Oklahoma, first-year earnings hover around $37,401, which aligns closely with what graduates from the University of Oklahoma and University of Central Oklahoma earn in this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests manageable repayment in theory, but that assumes your child secures work immediately in their field at these estimated salary levels.

What complicates the picture here is that both the earnings and debt figures are extrapolated from peer institutions rather than actual outcomes from OBU graduates. Political Science is notoriously variable in career pathsβ€”some graduates pursue graduate school, others work in campaigns or nonprofits at lower salaries, while some leverage the degree into unrelated corporate roles. The estimated $37,401 represents a statewide median, but individual outcomes depend heavily on career direction and networking success.

For a moderately selective Baptist university charging enough to generate nearly $25,000 in debt, you're banking on your child being strategic about internships and career planning. If they're considering law school or graduate work afterward, factor in additional borrowing. If they plan to work immediately after graduation, confirm they understand the competitive nature of political jobs in Oklahoma's limited market.

Where Oklahoma Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (16 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oklahoma Baptist UniversityShawnee$34,050$37,401*β€”$24,625*β€”
University of Central OklahomaEdmond$8,522$38,063*$38,115$29,000*0.76
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$37,401*$63,478$23,000*0.61
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$33,484*β€”$21,107*0.63
National Medianβ€”$35,627*β€”$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 Oklahoma Baptist University, approximately 31% 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 3 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.