Political Science and Government at Salem State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggests manageable borrowing, though context matters considerably for political science graduates. Based on peer programs in Massachusetts, Salem State students would face roughly $25,000 in debt for first-year earnings around $43,000—essentially matching the state median for this field. That's better than the national picture, where political science grads typically earn closer to $36,000, but it still means starting a career path where many positions require graduate credentials to advance meaningfully.

The challenge with political science isn't the immediate math—it's that these bachelor's-level earnings often represent a ceiling rather than a floor. Unlike fields where experience steadily increases compensation, political science graduates frequently need law school, public policy master's programs, or other credentials to access higher-paying roles. The state's top earners (Harvard at $62,000, Tufts at $68,000) likely benefit from alumni networks and internship pipelines that open doors to consulting, lobbying, or competitive government positions. Salem State's accessible admissions (96% acceptance rate) and significant Pell enrollment suggest a different student profile, one that may face steeper barriers to these premium career tracks.

If your child is passionate about government or politics and plans to pursue graduate school, this program offers reasonable preparation at a contained cost. But if they're expecting the bachelor's degree alone to launch a stable career, understand that $43,000 would be near the field's earnings plateau without additional education.