Analysis
Ohio's political science programs show striking variation, and with estimated first-year earnings around $37,345, The University of Findlay appears to land near the state median—though peer institutions like Miami University and Ashland produce considerably higher early earnings. The estimated $26,000 debt load, while slightly above the state median of $25,000, creates a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments on an entry-level salary.
The challenge with this program is less about the numbers themselves and more about what political science degrees typically require for career advancement. Many graduates pursue graduate school, government positions with slow salary growth, or nonprofit work—all paths where that initial $37,345 becomes more significant as a starting point than a trajectory. The schools showing higher outcomes often have stronger regional employer networks or alumni placement pipelines that can make a measurable difference in those critical first job opportunities.
For families considering this investment, the estimated figures suggest a workable but not exceptional financial picture. If your student has clear post-graduation plans—law school, a specific government track, or graduate study—the debt level won't be prohibitive. But if they're exploring political science as a general liberal arts degree without a defined next step, understand that the modest early earnings reflect a field where financial returns often depend heavily on what comes after the bachelor's degree.
Where The University of Findlay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,646 | $37,345* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $46,428* | $57,775 | $25,000* | 0.54 | |
| $28,910 | $44,455* | $45,212 | $26,738* | 0.60 | |
| $48,125 | $41,710* | $55,109 | $26,000* | 0.62 | |
| $41,788 | $39,807* | $46,588 | $26,218* | 0.66 | |
| $69,330 | $39,550* | $43,685 | $18,354* | 0.46 | |
| 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 The University of Findlay, approximately 14% 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 26 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.