Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at Southwest Baptist University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,886

Est. from MO median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,022

Est. from MO median (3 programs)

Analysis

A political science bachelor's with first-year earnings around $36,900 and debt near $24,000 produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65—manageable by federal standards but requiring careful financial planning. These figures come from comparable programs across Missouri, as Southwest Baptist's own graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to report. The debt level aligns closely with both state and national medians for political science degrees, while the earnings estimate sits right at Missouri's typical outcome for this major.

The challenge is that political science graduates often need additional credentials—law school, master's degrees, or targeted professional certifications—to access higher-earning career paths. Similar programs in Missouri cluster tightly between $35,500 and $39,800 in first-year earnings, with flagship institutions like Mizzou and regional universities like Missouri State showing outcomes in this same range. That narrow spread suggests limited earning potential right out of college regardless of where you study political science in the state.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether your child has a clear plan beyond the bachelor's degree. If they're headed to law school or graduate programs, this debt load is relatively modest. If they're planning to enter the workforce immediately, they should understand they're likely looking at entry-level nonprofit, government, or campaign work in the mid-to-upper $30,000s—income that makes the monthly loan payments doable but leaves little cushion for other financial goals.

Where Southwest Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (28 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southwest Baptist UniversityBolivar	$28,320	$36,886*	—	$24,022*	—
Truman State UniversityKirksville	$9,470	$39,813*	—	$26,649*	0.67
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$37,944*	$50,232	$20,500*	0.54
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$37,722*	$57,664	$22,517*	0.60
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis	$13,440	$36,050*	$42,504	$25,250*	0.70
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg	$9,739	$35,556*	$36,724	$23,678*	0.67
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 Southwest Baptist University, approximately 35% 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 6 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.