Political Science and Government at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB's political science program shows encouraging income growth but starts well below what most graduates need in year one. At $34,474, first-year earnings trail both the national median and leave graduates with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.67—manageable but tight for someone beginning their career. Within Alabama, this program outperforms the state median by $1,800 initially, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, though it still falls considerably short of Troy University's political science graduates who earn $46,000 right out of the gate.

The real story emerges by year four, when median earnings jump 51% to $52,157. This trajectory suggests UAB graduates either land better positions after gaining experience or pursue graduate degrees that boost their earning potential. That eventual income makes the $23,250 in debt quite reasonable long-term. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, these numbers could swing considerably year to year.

For families weighing this option: if your child plans to stay in Alabama and is willing to weather a lean first year or two, UAB offers a credible path forward at a fraction of the cost you'll find at many flagships. Just ensure they have a plan—whether graduate school, law school, or a specific career track—to capitalize on that earnings growth curve.