Political Science and Government at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Similar Political Science programs in Arkansas typically produce first-year earnings around $32,500 to $33,700, with debt loads near $21,150. Based on these peer program figures, UAPB's estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 falls within a manageable range—meaning graduates would carry debt worth about seven months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable compared to many bachelor's programs, though not exceptional.

The caveat here matters: with 67% of students receiving Pell grants, UAPB serves a predominantly low-income population, and actual outcomes could vary significantly from these state-level estimates. The school's 916 average SAT suggests students may face different job market realities than those at the state's flagship institutions. Political Science degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, law school, or public service careers—paths where initial earnings understate long-term value but may require additional schooling and debt.

The practical question is whether your student has a clear plan for this degree. If they're headed to law school or graduate programs, the modest debt load provides flexibility. If they're entering the job market directly, understand that $35,600 represents entry-level public sector or nonprofit work—sustainable with $21,000 in debt, but requiring careful budgeting. Without specific outcome data from UAPB itself, talk concretely with the department about where recent graduates actually land jobs and what support exists for career placement or graduate school admissions.