Political Science and Government at The University of Montana

University of Montana's political science program beats both state and national earnings benchmarks, though the modest absolute numbers tell the real story. At $38,094 in year one, graduates earn about 7% more than the national median for political science majors and slightly above Montana's state median. The 12% earnings growth to $42,524 by year four suggests reasonable career progression, but these remain entry-level wages that would require careful budgeting.

The $21,173 debt load works in this program's favor—about 10% below the national median and roughly aligned with Montana's state average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, graduates should manage repayment without excessive strain, though they won't have much cushion for aggressive saving or major purchases early on. Montana State's political science program shows lower earnings ($35,476), making UM the stronger option among Montana public universities.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Political science degrees typically require additional credentials (law school, graduate programs, or specialized certifications) to unlock higher earning potential, and these numbers likely include graduates working in fields where the degree serves as a checkbox rather than specialized training. For a student committed to public service, nonprofit work, or graduate school, the manageable debt makes this a reasonable foundation—just understand these earnings represent the ceiling unless paired with further education.