Political Science and Government at Ouachita Baptist University

Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,600 for political science graduates, which places Ouachita's estimated outcomes slightly above what peer Arkansas institutions actually report. The University of Arkansas and University of Central Arkansas, the state's larger public options, show graduates earning between $31,300 and $33,700—making Ouachita's projected trajectory competitive despite its smaller scale and private tuition structure.

The estimated debt load of $24,625 sits above both the state and national medians for this major, reflecting the premium of a private Baptist college education. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69, graduates would face manageable but not insignificant repayment obligations—about $275 monthly on a standard ten-year plan, which is feasible but leaves limited cushion given typical entry-level political science salaries in Arkansas. The state's comparatively lower cost of living helps, though many graduates pursue careers in government or nonprofit sectors where salary growth can be gradual.

Given that both earnings and debt figures here are national estimates rather than tracked outcomes from Ouachita's actual graduates, there's inherent uncertainty about how this specific program performs. If you're considering this path, verify what recent graduates are actually doing—where they're employed and at what salaries. Political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to law school, graduate programs, or public service careers, so the immediate earnings picture may not tell the full story of this investment's value.