Political Science and Government at University of Dayton

Drawing on comparable programs across Ohio, Political Science graduates typically start around $37,345—roughly in line with the state median but trailing the strongest programs by nearly $10,000. With $25,747 in median debt, University of Dayton sits slightly above the state's $25,000 median, creating a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. That's manageable compared to many fields, though not exceptional—it means graduates owe about eight months of their starting salary.

The picture improves considerably by year four, when median earnings reach $66,090. That's a substantial jump suggesting either strong career progression or migration into higher-paying roles, both of which are common for political science graduates who move into law, business, or policy work. The challenge is weathering those first few years when earnings are modest and loan payments kick in.

For an anxious parent, the key question is whether your child has a clear path beyond that $37,000 starting point. Political science is a liberal arts degree that opens many doors but guarantees none—success depends heavily on internships, networking, and graduate school plans. If law school or a specific policy career is the goal, this program provides a solid foundation. If the plan is vaguer, that four-year earnings jump may not materialize, leaving your child with serviceable but unspectacular financial outcomes.