Political Science and Government at Tulane University of Louisiana

Tulane's political science program significantly outperforms its Louisiana peers, placing in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $41,265—nearly $13,000 above the state median and even surpassing Louisiana Tech's outcomes. Nationally, this program sits in the 78th percentile, beating the typical graduate by about $6,000 annually. The 51% earnings growth to $62,479 by year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in careers that reward experience, whether in government, law-adjacent fields, or the private sector.

The debt picture enhances this program's appeal. At $19,500, Tulane political science graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the Louisiana average and roughly $4,000 less than the national median. The 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first year's salary—manageable territory that shouldn't derail other financial goals. Given Tulane's selectivity and New Orleans' unique positioning as both a state capital region and a hub for nonprofits and cultural institutions, the network access likely plays a role in these stronger outcomes.

For families weighing Tulane against LSU or other in-state options, this program delivers meaningfully better earnings with lower debt. The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the consistent outperformance across metrics makes this a strong choice for students serious about political science who can manage the private school investment.