Analysis
Union College's political science program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $49,759—nearly 40% higher than the New York state median and placing it in the 80th percentile among Empire State schools. That puts graduates ahead of most SUNY campuses and within striking distance of elite peers like Colgate and Hamilton, despite Union's more accessible 44% admission rate.
The financial picture is particularly compelling: $26,899 in median debt represents just 54% of first-year earnings, one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find for this major nationally. With earnings jumping 31% to $65,270 by year four, graduates are building genuine career momentum rather than treading water—a crucial advantage for a liberal arts degree often criticized for weak early returns.
The real story here is value arbitrage. You're getting outcomes that rival schools with single-digit admission rates, without the corresponding debt burden. Union's relatively small political science cohort (30-100 graduates) likely benefits from the college's strong alumni network in New York's capital region and beyond. For families concerned about whether a political science degree can lead to financial stability, this program offers unusually concrete evidence that it can.
Where Union College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Union College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union College | $49,759 | $65,270 | +31% |
| Colgate University | $56,064 | $85,816 | +53% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $61,077 | $79,220 | +30% |
| Cornell University | $60,292 | $72,438 | +20% |
| University of Rochester | $37,921 | $71,957 | +90% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (81 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Union CollegeSchenectady | $66,456 | $49,759 | $65,270 | $26,899 | 0.54 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $61,077 | $79,220 | $22,943 | 0.38 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $60,292 | $72,438 | $14,400 | 0.24 |
 Hamilton CollegeClinton | $65,740 | $58,807 | $69,934 | $12,500 | 0.21 |
 Barnard CollegeNew York | $66,246 | $57,298 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
 Colgate UniversityHamilton | $67,024 | $56,064 | $85,816 | $16,250 | 0.29 |
| 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 Union College, approximately 13% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.