Political Science and Government at University of Akron Main Campus

The University of Akron's political science program shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants careful examination. First-year graduates earn just $26,574—ranking in the bottom 5% nationally and well below Ohio's median of $37,344. That's roughly $11,000 less than what graduates from Miami University or Ashland University earn right out of the gate. However, earnings jump 72% by year four to $45,809, surpassing many higher-ranked programs in the state.

This trajectory suggests graduates may be starting in internships, campaign roles, or entry-level nonprofit positions before moving into better-paying work. The nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one is manageable given the subsequent growth, and the $25,983 debt load sits close to both state and national averages. But those first few years will require either family support or strict budgeting—standard entry-level political work simply doesn't pay much initially.

For families comfortable subsidizing their graduate through early career years, the long-term trajectory looks reasonable. But if your child needs to be financially independent immediately after graduation, stronger starting salaries at Miami University or Xavier (despite potentially higher costs) might be worth the premium. The key question is whether you can afford to help cover living expenses while earnings catch up to debt obligations.