Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Median Earnings (1yr)

$37,360

59th percentile

60th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$24,000

2% above national median

Analysis

University of Cincinnati's political science program doesn't start impressively—graduates earn just $37,360 in their first year—but that's not the full story. Four years out, median earnings jump to $54,415, a 46% increase that outpaces most political science programs. This trajectory suggests graduates are successfully translating their degree into career advancement, whether in government, nonprofits, or the private sector. At $24,000 in debt, students aren't betting the farm on this degree either.

The program lands squarely in the middle of Ohio's political science offerings, ranking at the 60th percentile statewide. Top programs like Miami University ($46,428) and Ashland ($44,455) show higher starting earnings, but UC's eventual outcomes narrow that gap considerably. Nationally, the program similarly performs slightly above the median, making it a reasonable choice for students who can stomach lower initial earnings while they gain traction.

The real question is whether your child can afford those lean early years. With debt eating up 64% of first-year income, recent graduates will need family support or careful budgeting. But for students entering UC with modest debt and realistic expectations about entry-level policy work, this program offers a path to solid mid-career earnings without the crushing debt loads that can sink liberal arts degrees.

Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 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 Cincinnati-Main Campus	$37,360	$54,415	+46%
Denison University	$31,272	$59,094	+89%
Miami University-Oxford	$46,428	$57,775	+24%
Ohio State University-Main Campus	$35,977	$57,749	+61%
Wright State University-Main Campus	$27,477	$55,318	+101%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati	$13,570	$37,360	$54,415	$24,000	0.64
Miami University-OxfordOxford	$17,809	$46,428	$57,775	$25,000	0.54
Ashland UniversityAshland	$28,910	$44,455	$45,212	$26,738	0.60
Xavier UniversityCincinnati	$48,125	$41,710	$55,109	$26,000	0.62
Capital UniversityColumbus	$41,788	$39,807	$46,588	$26,218	0.66
Kenyon CollegeGambier	$69,330	$39,550	$43,685	$18,354	0.46
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 Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.