Political Science and Government at St Olaf College

St. Olaf's political science graduates face a steep climb out of the gate, earning significantly less than peers at comparable Minnesota liberal arts colleges—nearly $10,000 below nearby Gustavus Adolphus in that crucial first year. That initial gap matters because it determines how quickly graduates can manage their debt load, and while St. Olaf's $24,250 median debt sits near national norms, it takes on different weight when you're earning just $31,000. The program ranks in the bottom quarter nationally and middle of the pack in Minnesota, trailing all of the state's flagship political science programs.

The saving grace here is earnings momentum: by year four, graduates nearly double their income to $55,000, suggesting that the St. Olaf degree opens doors that take time to walk through—possibly graduate programs, competitive public service tracks, or delayed entry into stronger career paths. That 77% growth rate is substantial and helps explain why some families accept the slower start. But you're banking on your child weathering those lean early years, which can be challenging in today's economy with rent, loan payments, and other living costs.

If your child is set on political science at a selective Minnesota liberal arts school and needs strong financial outcomes earlier, the data points to Macalester or Gustavus as safer bets. St. Olaf works best for families who can provide financial cushioning during those first post-graduate years while the career trajectory develops.