Political Science and Government at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's political science program produces graduates earning slightly above both national and Illinois medians, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances could vary widely from these figures. At $36,521 one year out, graduates earn about $2,000 more than typical Illinois poli-sci grads and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—a modest but real advantage for a school with a 94% admission rate serving many first-generation college students.

The debt load of $24,625 sits right at the Illinois median for this major, creating a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to handle payments without severe financial strain. This represents notably lower debt than elite programs like University of Chicago (where earnings are $20,000 higher) while still positioning graduates competitively for entry-level work in government, nonprofits, or graduate school preparation.

The real question is opportunity cost in Chicago's higher education market. Roosevelt graduates earn about $18,000 less than those from UIC—a public university that likely costs less for in-state students. However, for students who need Roosevelt's accessibility (high admission rate, strong support for Pell-eligible students), the program delivers reasonable outcomes without creating crushing debt. Just remember that these numbers reflect a small cohort, so your child's experience could differ based on internships, networking, and whether they pursue graduate education—which many political science graduates ultimately do.