Political Science and Government at Saint Edward's University

Saint Edward's political science graduates start modestly at $34,570 but see their earnings jump 50% to nearly $52,000 by year four—one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll find in this field. While the program ranks around the national middle (43rd percentile), it performs notably better against Texas competitors, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful distinction in Austin's job market, where political science grads from Saint Edward's outpace the Texas median by about $17,500 in year four.

The $23,250 debt load is manageable, sitting just below both national and state medians. The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one isn't alarming given how quickly earnings accelerate—by year four, graduates are earning more than double their debt. This delayed payoff pattern is typical for liberal arts degrees where career momentum builds through networking and skill development rather than immediate technical credentials.

The practical reality: Your child likely won't land a high-paying job right out of college, but patience appears to pay off here. Saint Edward's 39% Pell Grant population and accessible admissions suggest strong support systems for diverse students navigating early-career challenges. If your child can manage the first couple years financially—perhaps with family support or modest living expenses—the trajectory looks solid for Austin's growing nonprofit, government, and advocacy sectors.