Political Science and Government at Radford University

Radford's political science graduates face a puzzling reality: they start at $27,136—well below the $41,500 Virginia median and ranking in just the 10th percentile statewide—but within four years, their earnings jump 137% to $64,410. That four-year mark surpasses every top Virginia program except Liberty, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in higher-paying roles, though the path there appears rougher than at peer institutions.

The $23,235 debt load sits right at state and national medians, so borrowing isn't the concern. The real question is whether families can manage that difficult first year when earnings barely cover living expenses. Among Virginia's 37 political science programs, only a handful perform worse initially, yet Radford graduates who persist through early-career challenges see substantial payoff. This pattern differs sharply from UVA or George Mason, where graduates command strong salaries immediately.

For families comfortable with a longer runway to financial stability, this program delivers meaningful earnings growth. But if your student needs immediate post-graduation income—whether to service debt or support themselves—the rocky start demands serious planning. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the growth trajectory is striking enough to suggest certain career paths or geographic moves dramatically improve outcomes for those who stick with the field.