Political Science and Government at University of California-Merced

UC Merced's political science graduates start significantly behind the curve at $29,153—roughly $6,000 below both state and national medians, ranking in just the 25th percentile among California programs. That's a concerning first-year gap when you're also carrying $17,500 in debt, though the debt load itself matches the California median and sits comfortably below the national figure.

The redeeming feature here is the trajectory: earnings jump 78% by year four to $52,020, eventually surpassing both the national and state medians. This pattern likely reflects graduates needing time to convert their degree into meaningful career opportunities—perhaps through graduate school, public sector positions, or roles that value the credential more than immediate skills. But that initial earning period is rough, and families should plan accordingly for those lean early years.

For a UC education serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body, this program offers a viable path if your child can weather the slow start financially. The debt is manageable relative to where earnings eventually land, and UC Merced's accessibility makes it worth considering. Just understand you're buying into delayed returns rather than immediate payoff—this isn't the program for students who need strong earnings right out of the gate to service debt or support family.