Political Science and Government at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma political science programs cluster tightly around $37,000 in first-year earnings, and Southwestern appears positioned right in that range based on comparable programs in the state. The estimated $23,000 in debt creates a manageable ratio of 0.61—meaning roughly seven months of gross income to cover the full debt load. That's reasonable, particularly when you consider that this open-admission institution serves a population where 38% qualify for Pell grants, suggesting it's providing access without loading students up with excessive debt.

The challenge here isn't the debt level but the starting salary itself. At an estimated $37,400 annually, graduates face the reality that many entry-level political science roles—whether in nonprofits, government, or campaign work—simply don't pay much initially. This field often requires further credentials (law school, public administration degrees) or years of career building to reach comfortable income levels. The good news is that Southwestern's estimated outcomes match what peer programs in Oklahoma deliver, meaning students aren't being disadvantaged relative to in-state alternatives.

For families weighing this choice, understand that you're looking at typical outcomes for political science graduates in Oklahoma, not Southwestern-specific data. If your student plans to stop at a bachelor's degree and work immediately, budget carefully for those first few years. If graduate school is the goal, this program offers an affordable entry point without the debt burden that could complicate future education financing.