Political Science and Government at Rowan University

Rowan's political science program presents a stark mismatch between first-year outcomes and later-career trajectory. That $26,042 starting salary ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of political science programs produce better immediate results. Among New Jersey's 22 programs, it sits at the 25th percentile, trailing all three Rutgers campuses and The College of New Jersey by $13,000-plus. This isn't a modest gap; it's a fundamental difference in career launch.

The 80% earnings jump to $46,797 by year four tells a more hopeful story, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing, likely through graduate school, law school pathways, or simply gaining enough experience to escape entry-level wages. However, this recovery pattern means spending crucial early-career years earning roughly $10,000 below what peers at other New Jersey public universities make. With $24,265 in debt—close to both state and national medians—the financial strain during those lean first years could delay other life goals.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether your student can weather those difficult initial years. If they're planning graduate school anyway and can live at home post-graduation, the program's eventual earnings growth matters more than the rough start. But if they need immediate financial independence, compare carefully against TCNJ or Rutgers, where graduates earn 50% more right out of the gate with similar debt loads.