Political Science and Government at Rider University

Rider graduates from this program carry $27,000 in debt—more than 95% of political science programs nationally—while similar programs in New Jersey suggest first-year earnings around $35,600. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, meaning three-quarters of a year's salary goes toward the borrowed amount before interest. For context, New Jersey's public universities typically produce political science graduates earning $39,000-$40,000 with less debt, creating a more favorable starting position.

The gap matters practically: at standard repayment terms, monthly loan payments on $27,000 will consume roughly 12-13% of that estimated gross income, leaving less flexibility for the career exploration many political science graduates need. Entry-level work in government, nonprofits, or campaign politics often pays modestly, and many graduates pursue additional credentials—law school, public policy degrees—which compounds the debt picture. The estimated earnings here track with the national median, so the issue isn't New Jersey's job market; it's the debt load relative to what peer programs achieve.

Your child would need a clear plan for how this degree leads to income. If law school or graduate study is the goal, starting with less undergraduate debt preserves options. If they're heading straight to work, comparing the career services and alumni networks at lower-debt New Jersey alternatives would be prudent—this investment assumes everything goes according to plan, with little margin for detours.