Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at Rivier University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,879

Est. from NH median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from NH median (3 programs)

Analysis

A $27,000 debt load for estimated first-year earnings around $40,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68—better than many liberal arts programs nationally. Based on comparable political science programs in New Hampshire, graduates typically earn close to $40,000 in their first year, which tracks with the state median and sits above the national benchmark of $35,627. The debt estimate, drawn from similar programs at Rivier, also aligns with typical state figures.

The challenge is context: New Hampshire's political science landscape is bifurcated. Dartmouth dominates at over $72,000 in first-year earnings, while the cluster of accessible programs—Southern New Hampshire, Saint Anselm, and UNH—all hover around $38,000-$41,500. If Rivier's outcomes follow the pattern of peer programs in the state, graduates should land in that middle tier, making this a reasonable investment compared to pricier private alternatives.

The key question is career path. Political science majors who pivot to business, consulting, or tech roles typically see stronger earnings growth than those pursuing government work or nonprofits. With nearly one in three Rivier students on Pell grants, affordability matters—and starting with $27,000 in debt rather than $40,000+ gives graduates more flexibility to choose mission-driven careers without financial distress. The estimated numbers suggest a solid value proposition if your student has clear professional goals beyond graduation.

Where Rivier University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Rivier UniversityNashua	$37,791	$39,879*	—	$27,000*	—
Dartmouth CollegeHanover	$65,739	$72,618*	$84,898	$17,500*	0.24
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester	$16,450	$41,530*	—	$30,811*	0.74
Saint Anselm CollegeManchester	$46,810	$41,322*	—	$27,000*	0.65
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham	$19,112	$38,435*	$54,391	$27,000*	0.70
University of New Hampshire at ManchesterManchester	$15,820	$38,435*	$54,391	$27,000*	0.70
National Median	—	$35,627*	—	$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 Rivier University, approximately 27% 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 6 similar programs in NH. Actual outcomes may vary.