Political Science and Government at Russell Sage College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 looks manageable on paper, but these estimates—drawn from peer political science programs across New York—mask significant uncertainty about Russell Sage's specific outcomes. Similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, which aligns with the national median for political science degrees. The estimated $23,500 in debt is typical for the field, meaning graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $260 on a standard ten-year plan—about 9% of gross income. That's within the recommended threshold, though it leaves little cushion if actual earnings fall short.

What complicates this picture is the enormous range among New York political science programs. Top-tier schools like Columbia and Cornell report first-year earnings above $60,000, while the state median sits nearly $25,000 lower. Russell Sage's 76% admission rate and substantial Pell enrollment suggest it occupies a different market segment than these elite competitors, making it unclear whether its graduates cluster near the state median or below it.

For parents, the central question is whether this program opens doors beyond entry-level positions that might not require the degree at all. Political science at a regional private college often serves as pre-law preparation or a pathway to public sector work—both valid goals, but ones where the specific school's network and career services matter enormously. Without Russell Sage's actual data, you're betting on institutional support systems you can't measure from these numbers alone.