Political Science and Government at The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey's political science program starts students at $40,229—beating three-quarters of similar programs nationwide—then pushes earnings up 44% to nearly $58,000 by year four. That trajectory matters because many political science graduates find their footing in government, nonprofits, or policy roles that reward experience. Among New Jersey's 22 political science programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, trailing only Princeton's exceptional $63,317 median but outperforming the Rutgers campuses and regional alternatives.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $25,625, graduates borrow slightly above the state median but well below the national average, creating a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio. First-year earnings cover the debt in about 18 months of focused repayment—a reasonable starting point for a liberal arts degree that often leads to graduate school or credential-building early in careers. The 44% earnings jump suggests graduates are successfully transitioning from entry-level positions into more established roles.

For families weighing public universities in New Jersey, this program delivers competitive outcomes at a selective-but-accessible institution. The early earnings won't match business or STEM fields, but the growth curve and debt load position graduates to pursue varied career paths without crushing financial pressure. It's a sensible choice for students committed to public service, law school prep, or policy work who want strong outcomes without Princeton's selectivity.