Political Science and Government at The Catholic University of America

Catholic University's Political Science program delivers solid national performance but faces stiff local competition. Its first-year median of $44,617 ranks in the 89th percentile nationally—well above the $35,627 typical for the major. However, among DC's eight programs, it falls to the 40th percentile, trailing not just Georgetown and GWU but also UDC. Given DC's concentration of government and policy jobs, this local context matters more than the national comparison for most students who'll likely seek work in the capital region.

The program's strength lies in its trajectory. Earnings jump 37% to $61,154 by year four, suggesting graduates gain traction as they navigate DC's competitive entry-level market. The $25,000 debt load is reasonable—slightly above the national median but typical for DC schools—and translates to a 0.56 ratio against first-year earnings. This means manageable monthly payments even during those early career years when salaries are still climbing.

For families weighing this against the sticker price difference with elite DC competitors, the math gets interesting. If your child can gain admission to Georgetown or GWU, those programs deliver 10-25% higher starting salaries. But Catholic's 84% admission rate makes it accessible to a broader range of students, and the outcome gap narrows considerably by year four. It's a viable path into DC's political ecosystem for students who might not crack into the top-tier programs.