Political Science and Government at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin's political science program starts slow but shows promise, with earnings jumping nearly 50% by year four—though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual outcomes could vary widely from these medians. That first-year salary of $33,386 sits slightly below both state and national averages, but by year four, graduates reach nearly $50,000, suggesting the degree opens doors to better opportunities over time.

The $20,250 debt load is actually lower than typical for Texas political science programs, which helps offset the modest starting salary. Still, graduates earn less than peers at UT Austin ($43,281) or Texas A&M ($41,817), though those comparisons come with asterisks—larger schools naturally draw from different career pipelines and geographic markets. For a regional university with an 88% acceptance rate serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes reflect realistic expectations rather than red flags.

The catch? With such a small sample size, you're essentially betting on whether your child's experience will match these few graduates. If they're motivated and can leverage internships or graduate school, that earnings trajectory looks encouraging. But if they need immediate income after graduation to service debt, that $33,000 starting point could feel tight. For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable debt, this works—just recognize the first few years may require financial patience.