Analysis
TCU's political science program delivers something rare: graduates earn $50,627 in their first year—42% more than the typical Texas political science graduate and a full $15,000 above the national median. Among Texas programs, only Rice and SMU produce higher earners in this field, putting TCU ahead of UT Austin and Texas A&M despite their larger alumni networks. With $25,000 in debt (roughly equivalent to a modest car loan), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates can realistically tackle repayment while building their careers.
The 24% earnings growth to $62,718 by year four suggests TCU's combination of location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and strong alumni connections actually translates to career advancement. While political science is often dismissed as an impractical major, this program clearly opens doors that justify the investment—likely through pathways into business, law, public policy, and consulting that value critical thinking and communication skills.
For families concerned about liberal arts degrees leading nowhere, TCU's track record should ease those worries. Your child would be paying slightly above-average debt to join a program performing in the 95th percentile nationally. That's the definition of getting what you pay for.
Where Texas Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Christian University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University | $50,627 | $62,718 | +24% |
| Southern Methodist University | $52,160 | $79,400 | +52% |
| Rice University | $54,728 | $70,513 | +29% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $43,281 | $59,257 | +37% |
| Baylor University | $32,981 | $59,016 | +79% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (65 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth | $57,220 | $50,627 | $62,718 | $25,000 | 0.49 |
 Rice UniversityHouston | $58,128 | $54,728 | $70,513 | — | — |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $52,160 | $79,400 | $20,500 | 0.39 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $43,281 | $59,257 | $20,500 | 0.47 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $41,817 | $58,382 | $19,749 | 0.47 |
 University of DallasIrving | $50,880 | $41,639 | — | $21,500 | 0.52 |
| National Median | — | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas Christian University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 52 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.