Political Science and Government at Roanoke College

Political science programs in Virginia show a surprising range of early outcomes, with the state's top programs producing first-year earnings from around $43,000 to $46,500. Based on comparable programs in Virginia, Roanoke graduates would likely earn $41,500 initially—landing in the middle of the state's pack and above the national median of $35,600 for this degree. The estimated $27,000 in debt creates a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd owe roughly eight months' salary.

What's less clear is whether Roanoke specifically helps students translate political science degrees into careers that justify this investment. The suppressed data—common at smaller schools where few students graduate with this major—means we're relying on peer programs to paint the picture. Many political science graduates enter fields like nonprofit work, government, or education where starting salaries stay modest. The real value often depends on graduate school plans or specific career pathways that a political science degree opens.

The practical question is whether your student has a clear plan beyond the bachelor's. If law school or policy work is the goal, the moderate debt load won't hamstring those next steps. But if they're hoping the degree itself leads directly to solid earnings, peer programs suggest outcomes that are decent but not exceptional—and without Roanoke's specific track record available, you're making this bet based on how similar Virginia programs perform.