Political Science and Government at Simpson University

A bachelor's in political science at Simpson carries an estimated $23,313 in debt—above the state median of $17,500 for this major but close to the national benchmark. Based on comparable programs across California, first-year earnings typically land around $35,297, which tracks with the national median for political science graduates. This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.66, within manageable territory but not offering much cushion in a field where entry-level salaries tend to cluster tightly regardless of institution.

The reality check comes from looking at California's competitive landscape. Top programs like Stanford and UC Berkeley produce dramatically higher early earnings ($59,297 and $45,418 respectively), suggesting that in political science, institutional prestige and network access significantly influence outcomes. Simpson's open admission model and 42% Pell grant population serve a different student demographic, but families should understand that peer programs in the state typically don't produce the immediate earning power of flagship universities—even when debt levels are comparable.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is post-graduation trajectory. Political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, law programs, or public sector careers where initial earnings understate long-term value. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, that $35,000 salary estimate makes the debt serviceable but tight. The limited graduate sample here means outcomes could vary—perhaps better, perhaps worse—but similar California programs suggest modest early returns are the norm.