Political Science and Government at University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA's Political Science program stands out for its exceptionally low debt burden—at $15,000, graduates owe significantly less than both the national median ($23,500) and California median ($17,500) for this field. This puts UCLA in the 95th percentile nationally for keeping costs down, which is remarkable for a prestigious research university.

However, the earnings picture is more modest. Starting salaries of $34,392 place graduates slightly below both national and California averages, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. While earnings do grow substantially to $58,937 by year four—a healthy 71% increase—this still lags behind elite competitors like Stanford ($59,297) and Berkeley ($45,418). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments.

For families, this represents a solid if unspectacular investment. UCLA's brand recognition and alumni network, combined with very reasonable debt levels, create a foundation for long-term career growth that may not show up in early salary data. Political science graduates often pursue graduate school or enter public service roles that prioritize prestige over immediate compensation. The low debt burden gives graduates flexibility to pursue these paths without financial stress, making this a sensible choice despite the middling starting salaries.