Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,138
12th percentile (25th in NJ)
Median Debt
$25,000
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.89
Manageable
Sample Size
48
Adequate data

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

Seton Hall UniversityOther political science and government programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Seton Hall University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Seton Hall University graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 12th percentile of all political science and government bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Seton Hall University$28,138$53,234$25,0000.89
Princeton University$63,317———
The College of New Jersey$40,229$57,902$25,6250.64
Rutgers University-Camden$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
Rutgers University-Newark$39,723$53,569$24,1880.61
National Median$35,627—$23,5000.66

Other Political Science and Government Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Princeton University
Princeton
$59,710$63,317—
The College of New Jersey
Ewing
$18,685$40,229$25,625
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden
$17,079$39,723$24,188
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick
$17,239$39,723$24,188
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark
$16,586$39,723$24,188

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.