Political Science and Government at Spelman College

Spelman's Political Science program outperforms most Georgia schools while keeping debt remarkably low. First-year graduates earn $39,050—roughly $7,000 above the state median and $3,400 above the national average. More importantly, they carry just $27,000 in debt, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for borrowing. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than nine months of their first year's salary, a manageable starting position that many peer programs can't match.

The trajectory looks solid too: earnings grow 21% over four years to $47,000, closing most of the gap with Emory while maintaining the debt advantage. Among Georgia's 31 political science programs, Spelman lands in the 60th percentile—respectable company that includes UGA. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the fundamentals are clear.

For families concerned about launching a liberal arts career without crushing debt, this program delivers. Your child gets a selective education (34% admission rate) with earnings that beat state and national benchmarks, all while borrowing less than most students at comparable schools. That combination—competitive outcomes plus financial breathing room—matters tremendously in a field where graduate school or unpaid internships often follow the bachelor's degree.