Political Science and Government at State University of New York at Oswego

SUNY Oswego's political science program starts graduates at an especially difficult earnings position—$28,678 is well below both the New York state median ($35,158) and the national average ($35,627). At the 25th percentile statewide, this means three-quarters of comparable NY programs launch graduates into better initial earnings. For context, elite programs like Columbia and Cornell more than double these first-year figures.

The dramatic 75% earnings jump to $50,302 by year four offers a more optimistic trajectory, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in careers that value the degree. The moderate debt load of $24,376 isn't catastrophic, though it represents nearly 85% of that challenging first-year salary. Parents should budget for substantial financial support during those initial years when entry-level nonprofit, government, or campaign work typically pays poorly.

The real question is whether your family can weather those lean early years. If your student can live at home or you can provide housing support while they build experience, the eventual earnings growth makes this viable. But if they'll need to immediately service debt and cover rent in a city where political work exists, the math gets considerably harder. This is a credential that eventually pays off for those with financial runway—not an immediate return on investment.