Political Science and Government at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

UConn Hartford's political science program stands out for impressive earnings growth—graduates earning $37,009 initially see their income jump 58% to $58,466 by year four, substantially outpacing both national and state medians at the four-year mark. This trajectory suggests the program's Hartford location and UConn network deliver meaningful career acceleration that takes a few years to materialize.

The initial earnings sit right at Connecticut's median for political science programs, performing better than most state schools except Southern Connecticut State. Debt of $22,375 is manageable with a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, and well below the national median for the field. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, the program appears to offer genuine upward mobility for first-generation and lower-income students seeking careers in government, policy, or law—sectors where Connecticut's proximity to state government and major employers matters.

The catch is patience: if your child needs strong immediate earnings to manage debt or family obligations, that $37,009 starting salary could feel tight, particularly in Hartford's cost of living. But for families who can weather a modest first year, the four-year numbers reveal a program that punches above its weight. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) makes these patterns reliable, not flukes.