Political Science and Government at University of California-Riverside

UC Riverside's Political Science graduates start well below national and state averages—$30,060 versus a California median of $35,297—but their earnings trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, median earnings jump to $51,239, a 71% increase that significantly outpaces what most political science programs deliver. This strong growth pattern suggests the program successfully positions graduates for career advancement, even if their first jobs pay modestly. At $18,300 in debt (below California's median of $17,500), students leave with manageable loans that represent just seven months of their first-year earnings.

The catch is where you land initially. Ranking in just the 40th percentile among California political science programs means half of state schools launch their graduates with better starting salaries. That first year often matters for building momentum, especially when competing against graduates from UC Berkeley ($45,418 starting) or other UC campuses. UCR serves a heavily Pell-eligible population (47%), and while the debt load stays reasonable, that $5,000 income gap in year one translates to real financial pressure for families without cushion.

For students who can afford to play the long game, this program works—the year-four earnings suggest UCR opens doors that matter eventually. But families counting on immediate post-graduation income should understand they're betting on delayed returns rather than quick wins.