Political Science and Government at University at Albany

University at Albany's political science program starts graduates at below-average salaries—$33,251 versus a $35,158 state median—but the story changes dramatically by year four, when earnings jump to $52,846. That's nearly 60% growth and puts graduates well ahead of most comparable programs. While initial earnings rank only at the 40th percentile among New York political science programs, this strong mid-career trajectory suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through.

The $22,750 debt load sits right at state and national medians, making the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 manageable if you can weather that initial period. For context, this is a solidly accessible state university (70% admission rate, 42% Pell recipients) producing outcomes that rival peer institutions while keeping debt in check. You won't see the elite private school salaries—Columbia and Cornell grads start above $60,000—but you're also avoiding the premium price tag.

The key question is whether your child can financially navigate those first few years. If they have support to live lean while building their career—or plan to supplement with graduate school—this program delivers strong value for its cost. But if they need immediate earning power to manage debt, that slow start could be challenging.