Political Science and Government at Tougaloo College

A bachelor's in political science from Tougaloo College comes with estimated debt of $24,625—slightly below the national median—paired with first-year earnings that peer programs nationally suggest land around $35,627. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees, where graduates often face ratios exceeding 1.0. What's less clear is how Tougaloo's specific outcomes compare to Mississippi State ($29,442 in reported earnings) or Ole Miss ($33,373), since the small graduate sample means we're working from national benchmarks rather than this school's track record.

The estimates here place Tougaloo slightly above Mississippi's state median for political science programs ($31,408), though it's worth noting that 62% of Tougaloo students receive Pell grants—a population that may face different employment pathways than students at larger state universities. Political science graduates typically pursue varied careers in government, nonprofits, or law school, fields where starting salaries compress around $30,000-$40,000 regardless of school prestige, so the estimated debt load matters more than small earnings differences.

For families, the key question is whether $24,625 in debt feels sustainable on what similar programs produce in earnings. Monthly payments would run roughly $275 over ten years—tight but not crushing on a $35,000 salary. Just understand you're evaluating this program based on what comparable political science degrees deliver nationally, not verified outcomes from Tougaloo itself.