Political Science and Government at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna's political science graduates start at $46,266—well above both Pennsylvania's median ($37,534) and the national benchmark ($35,627), though the program sits in the 60th percentile statewide. With only $27,000 in typical debt, this creates one of the most favorable financial pictures you'll find in this major nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates carry roughly seven months of first-year salary in loans, compared to about eight months for the national median.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if unremarkable, growth to $52,101 by year four—a 13% increase that suggests solid career progression without the dramatic gains or losses that can signal career instability. Among Pennsylvania programs, Susquehanna outperforms the state median while charging less than typical in-state debt loads. It can't match the outcomes of Penn or the elite liberal arts colleges like Bucknell and Lafayette, but that's largely a function of those schools' alumni networks and recruiting pipelines.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career choices heavily influence these numbers. Still, the combination of manageable debt and above-average starting salaries makes this a defensible choice if your child is genuinely interested in political science. The 79% admission rate means accessibility, and the modest debt load means they won't spend their twenties buried under loan payments if they pursue typical government or nonprofit work.