Political Science and Government at SUNY College at Potsdam

Similar programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—squarely aligned with both state and national medians for political science majors. Combined with estimated debt of $19,500, that produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. This sits well below the state median debt of $22,700 for comparable programs and notably below the national figure of $23,500.

The estimated numbers here reflect typical outcomes from peer programs rather than Potsdam-specific data, which matters when you consider the range within New York. While elite private institutions like Columbia and Cornell report political science graduates earning $60,000+, public college programs in the state—which Potsdam more closely resembles—tend to cluster around these median figures. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a population where keeping debt moderate matters considerably.

For families evaluating this investment, the estimated picture suggests relatively affordable access to a bachelor's degree without overwhelming debt. Political science majors typically need graduate credentials or specific career pivots to substantially boost earnings, so starting with under $20,000 in debt provides flexibility for those next steps. The key uncertainty is whether Potsdam's actual outcomes track with these state medians or diverge in either direction—something worth directly asking the admissions office about.