Political Science and Government at Texas Southern University

At $26,806 in first-year earnings, Texas Southern's political science graduates earn about $8,600 less than the Texas median for this degree—a gap that becomes harder to justify when paired with $33,000 in student debt. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.23 exceeds what most financial advisors recommend, particularly concerning for a field that often requires graduate school for higher-paying positions. Texas Southern serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student population (71%), so many graduates are likely managing this debt without family financial cushions.

The state comparison reveals the challenge: even among Texas political science programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings. Your child would be earning roughly half what graduates from UT Austin or Texas A&M make with the same degree, while carrying significantly more debt than the state median of $21,600. For students serious about political science or government careers, the public sector or nonprofit pathway may require additional education—meaning this debt becomes just the first layer.

If your child is set on this field and considering Texas Southern for other valid reasons (location, community, support services), the financial picture suggests treating this as a stepping stone degree. They should prioritize graduating with minimal additional debt, seek internships aggressively to build connections, and have a clear plan for either immediate employment or funded graduate school. The numbers alone don't make a compelling case.