Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,297
Est. from CA median (45 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,313
Est. from CA median (18 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable political science programs in California, graduates from Master's University would face estimated debt of $23,313 against first-year earnings around $35,300β€”a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that's roughly in line with national norms for this major. The debt burden sits above California's median of $17,500 for political science bachelor's programs, though it's nearly identical to the national median of $23,500. What this suggests practically: a five-year payoff timeline if the graduate dedicates 10% of their income to loans, which is reasonable for a bachelor's degree.

The earnings estimate places this program at the state and national median, nowhere near the $55,000+ that Stanford, Santa Clara, or UC Berkeley graduates command in their first year. For a major that often serves as a stepping stone to law school, graduate programs, or public service careers, these baseline earnings reflect the reality that political science bachelor's degrees rarely lead directly to high-paying jobs. The admission rate of 76% and low Pell grant percentage (19%) suggest a more affluent student body, which may mean families have resources beyond loans to support post-graduation career building.

The takeaway: this program appears to deliver typical outcomes for political science majorsβ€”moderate debt, moderate earnings, and a workable ratio between the two. If your child is planning graduate school or can leverage family connections for career opportunities, the debt load won't be crushing. If they're expecting the bachelor's alone to launch a lucrative career, they should understand that political science rarely works that way at any school.

Where The Master's University and Seminary Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (72 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The Master's University and SeminarySanta Clarita$36,930$35,297*β€”$23,313*β€”
Stanford UniversityStanford$62,484$59,297*$75,464$12,000*0.20
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$57,111*$64,616$21,750*0.38
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$55,196*$38,857$32,813*0.59
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$45,418*$62,430$13,000*0.29
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga$56,134$45,296*$68,762$25,967*0.57
National Medianβ€”$35,627*β€”$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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 The Master's University and Seminary, approximately 19% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 45 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.