Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at University of California-Irvine

Median Earnings (1yr)

$31,976

27th percentile

40th percentile in California

Median Debt

$16,293

31% below national median

Analysis

UC Irvine's political science program starts graduates at below-average salaries but demonstrates impressive earning potential over time. While first-year earnings of $32,000 trail both national and California medians by several thousand dollars, graduates see remarkable 73% income growth by year four, reaching $55,323—well above typical political science salaries nationwide.

The debt picture offers a significant advantage that helps offset the modest starting salaries. At $16,293, student debt loads are extraordinarily low, sitting in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). This manageable debt burden, combined with strong earnings growth, creates a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.51—meaning graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary, which is quite reasonable for any bachelor's degree.

Among California's 72 political science programs, this ranks solidly in the middle for earnings while maintaining one of the lowest debt burdens in the state. While it can't compete with Stanford or Berkeley's starting salaries, the combination of UC's prestigious brand, low debt, and strong earnings trajectory makes this a sound investment. For families concerned about student debt loads, UC Irvine delivers the UC system's academic reputation without the financial stress that often accompanies political science degrees elsewhere.

Where University of California-Irvine Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of California-Irvine graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of California-Irvine	$31,976	$55,323	+73%
Stanford University	$59,297	$75,464	+27%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	$37,003	$71,231	+93%
Saint Mary's College of California	$45,296	$68,762	+52%
Pepperdine University	$42,306	$68,168	+61%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (72 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of California-IrvineIrvine	$14,237	$31,976	$55,323	$16,293	0.51
Stanford UniversityStanford	$62,484	$59,297	$75,464	$12,000	0.20
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara	$59,241	$57,111	$64,616	$21,750	0.38
Ashford UniversitySan Diego	$13,160	$55,196	$38,857	$32,813	0.59
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley	$14,850	$45,418	$62,430	$13,000	0.29
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga	$56,134	$45,296	$68,762	$25,967	0.57
National Median	—	$35,627	—	$23,500	0.66

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of California-Irvine, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 337 graduates with reported earnings and 328 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.