Political Science and Government at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Political science programs in Arkansas cluster in the low-to-mid $30,000s for first-year earnings, and peer programs suggest Southern Arkansas likely follows this pattern. The estimated $35,627 matches the national median exactly, though the state's top reported programs—University of Arkansas and Central Arkansas—both come in slightly lower at $33,745 and $31,348 respectively. This suggests that if you're choosing a political science degree in Arkansas, location matters less than what you plan to do with it.

The estimated $21,150 in debt looks manageable at first glance, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, that's only true if graduates immediately find work in their field. Political science bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to law school, graduate programs, or public service roles that require additional credentials. If your child is planning on more schooling, this debt becomes the floor, not the ceiling. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, making that distinction critical.

The practical question isn't whether Southern Arkansas offers decent value—the estimated numbers suggest it probably does—but whether a political science BA alone will get your child where they want to go. If they're heading to grad school or law school, this works as an affordable foundation. If they're planning to enter the workforce directly, make sure they're building internship experience and professional connections that compensate for earnings that barely cover basic living expenses in year one.