Political Science and Government at SUNY Old Westbury

SUNY Old Westbury's political science graduates start at $34,666—just below both the national median ($35,627) and New York's state median ($35,158). Among New York's 81 political science programs, this lands in the 40th percentile, meaning most in-state alternatives deliver better first-year outcomes. The debt load of $22,250 is reasonable and slightly below state norms, yielding a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates could realistically pay down in a few years.

The real consideration here is opportunity cost within New York. While Old Westbury serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (47%) and provides accessible public education with an 85% admission rate, students capable of gaining admission to competitive SUNY campuses or private colleges with strong aid packages might see substantially higher returns. The gap between Old Westbury's outcomes and top New York programs is stark—Columbia and Cornell graduates earn roughly $60,000 right out of the gate.

One important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. For students committed to political science and needing an accessible entry point into higher education, Old Westbury offers affordable preparation. However, families should realistically expect starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s—enough to manage the debt, but requiring careful budgeting or additional credentials to advance significantly beyond entry-level positions.