Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,401
Est. from OK median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,000
Est. from OK median (3 programs)

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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityDurant$7,200$37,401*$23,000*
University of Central OklahomaEdmond$8,522$38,063*$38,115$29,000*0.76
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$37,401*$63,478$23,000*0.61
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$33,484*$21,107*0.63
National Median$35,627*$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

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.

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.