Political Science and Government at Rice University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Rice University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rice University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all political science and government bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (65 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | $54,728 | $70,513 | $23,938* | — |
| Southern Methodist University | $52,160 | $79,400 | $20,500* | 0.39 |
| Texas Christian University | $50,627 | $62,718 | $25,000* | 0.49 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $43,281 | $59,257 | $20,500* | 0.47 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $41,817 | $58,382 | $19,749* | 0.47 |
| University of Dallas | $41,639 | — | $21,500* | 0.52 |
| National Median | $35,627 | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $52,160 | $20,500 |
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $50,627 | $25,000 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $43,281 | $20,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $41,817 | $19,749 |
| University of Dallas Irving | $50,880 | $41,639 | $21,500 |
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 Rice University, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.