Median Earnings (1yr)Reported
$28,138
12th percentile
25th percentile in New Jersey
Median DebtReported
$25,000
6% above national median

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).

Analysis

The 89% earnings jump between years one and four tells an important story about Seton Hall's Political Science program—graduates start significantly behind their peers but catch up quickly. That first-year figure of $28,138 ranks in just the 12th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among New Jersey programs, well below the state median of $35,610. But by year four, earnings reach $53,234, surpassing not just state averages but even putting graduates within striking distance of some Rutgers campuses that start stronger.

The $25,000 debt load sits right at the median for New Jersey political science programs, making the real question whether that delayed launch matters to your family's finances. If your student can weather those lean early years—perhaps through living at home or having family support—the trajectory looks promising. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 is manageable, especially given where graduates land by year four.

This pattern suggests Seton Hall students may be pursuing graduate degrees, internships, or competitive entry-level positions that pay off later. For families who can financially support that runway period, the program delivers solid mid-term outcomes. But if your student needs to be financially independent immediately after graduation, those first few years could be a genuine struggle given starting salaries that trail most New Jersey competitors by $7,000-10,000.

Where Seton Hall University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Seton Hall University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Seton Hall University$28,138$53,234+89%
The College of New Jersey$40,229$57,902+44%
Montclair State University$26,704$54,399+104%
Rutgers University-Camden$39,723$53,569+35%
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$39,723$53,569+35%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (22 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange$51,370$28,138$53,234$25,0000.89
Princeton UniversityPrinceton$59,710$63,317
The College of New JerseyEwing$18,685$40,229$57,902$25,6250.64
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark$16,586$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Seton Hall University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.