Political Science and Government at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all political science and government bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (52 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $37,360 | $54,415 | $24,000 | 0.64 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $46,428 | $57,775 | $25,000 | 0.54 |
| Ashland University | $44,455 | $45,212 | $26,738 | 0.60 |
| Xavier University | $41,710 | $55,109 | $26,000 | 0.62 |
| Capital University | $39,807 | $46,588 | $26,218 | 0.66 |
| Kenyon College | $39,550 | $43,685 | $18,354 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $46,428 | $25,000 |
| Ashland University Ashland | $28,910 | $44,455 | $26,738 |
| Xavier University Cincinnati | $48,125 | $41,710 | $26,000 |
| Capital University Columbus | $41,788 | $39,807 | $26,218 |
| Kenyon College Gambier | $69,330 | $39,550 | $18,354 |
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.