Analysis
Borrowing $23,000 for first-year earnings around $37,400 creates a manageable debt burden—at least based on what similar political science programs in Oklahoma typically produce. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while building their careers, though both figures here are estimates drawn from just three comparable programs statewide rather than Southeastern Oklahoma State's actual outcomes.
The estimated earnings align closely with the national median for political science bachelor's degrees, which hovers around $35,600. Oklahoma's political science graduates generally track near or slightly above that benchmark, and the figures here mirror what's reported at larger state schools like the University of Oklahoma. For a regional university serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (40%), producing graduates who earn at state-typical levels represents solid baseline performance—assuming these estimates hold.
The core question is whether this estimate reflects what actually happens to Southeastern graduates specifically. With only three data points informing both the earnings and debt figures, there's meaningful uncertainty about individual outcomes. If your child is considering this program, the typical Oklahoma political science graduate picture suggests decent value, but you're essentially betting that Southeastern's results match the state pattern. The debt level won't be crushing if earnings materialize as projected, but confirm the program's career support services are robust enough to help graduates land those $37K positions.
Where Southeastern Oklahoma State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,200 | $37,401* | — | $23,000* | — | |
| $8,522 | $38,063* | $38,115 | $29,000* | 0.76 | |
| $9,595 | $37,401* | $63,478 | $23,000* | 0.61 | |
| $10,234 | $33,484* | — | $21,107* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Southeastern Oklahoma State University, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.