Political Science and Government at Tufts University

Tufts political science graduates earn nearly double the national median for this major—$67,713 versus $35,627—making this one of the strongest programs in the country regardless of geography. Among Massachusetts schools, Tufts ranks in the 95th percentile, trailing only Harvard and liberal arts powerhouses Amherst and Williams while delivering comparable outcomes to Northeastern's professional programs.

The numbers tell an unusual story: graduates carry relatively modest debt ($17,725, well below both national and state averages), yet face a slight earnings dip to $65,957 by year four. This pattern likely reflects the career paths political science majors pursue—many enter graduate school, public service, or competitive fellowships that temporarily suppress earnings but position them for longer-term advancement. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates owe roughly three months of first-year salary, leaving substantial financial flexibility for these next steps.

What separates Tufts from typical political science programs isn't just the 90% premium over national earnings—it's the combination of elite outcomes with manageable debt. At a school with a 10% admission rate and proximity to Boston's policy corridor, graduates enter professional networks that justify the initial investment. For families concerned about liberal arts ROI, Tufts demonstrates that prestige and location can translate directly into marketplace advantage.