Political Science and Government at St Bonaventure University

Based on comparable political science programs in New York, graduates here likely earn around $35,158 in their first year while carrying roughly $23,312 in debt. That's a manageable 0.66 ratio—meaning debt equals about eight months of gross income—which puts this program squarely in the middle of the pack nationally. The debt burden itself sits near the national median for political science degrees, suggesting neither a bargain nor an expensive outlier.

What the estimated figures obscure, however, is the reality gap between St. Bonaventure and New York's elite liberal arts colleges. Columbia and Cornell grads in this field start at $60,000-plus, nearly double what peer programs in the state suggest for this program. Even accounting for St. Bonaventure's more accessible admission standards and lower-pressure environment, that's a substantial earnings difference that compounds over a career. Political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to law school, public service, or graduate programs rather than direct career launchers, so your child's post-graduation plans matter considerably here.

If your student plans to work immediately after graduation in New York rather than pursue additional education, understand that $35,000 starting salaries require careful budgeting, especially with loan payments kicking in. The debt load won't sink them, but it won't leave much financial breathing room either in those crucial early years.