Political Science and Government at University of California-Davis

UC Davis political science graduates start modestly at $36,208 but see their earnings jump 51% by year four—reaching $54,795, which puts them ahead of 60% of California political science programs. That's a significant climb that suggests these graduates are finding their footing in careers where early earning potential doesn't tell the full story. The $14,250 debt load is exceptionally low for a UC education, coming in at just 39% of first-year earnings and well below both the state median ($17,500) and national median ($23,500) for this major.

The trajectory matters here. While Stanford and Berkeley grads earn more immediately, the gap narrows considerably as UC Davis alumni gain experience. Four years out, they're earning more than graduates from most private colleges in the state and closing in on Berkeley's numbers. For families concerned about both upfront costs and long-term prospects, this combination of manageable debt and strong earnings growth is exactly what you want to see.

This is a solid investment, particularly for in-state students who'll pay even less in tuition than these debt figures reflect. The earnings path rewards patience, but the financial foundation—low debt and steady advancement—gives graduates room to pursue the kinds of policy, advocacy, or research roles that initially pay less but build valuable careers.