Analysis
Similar political science programs in Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $41,500—right at the state median but above the national benchmark of $35,627. With estimated debt of $27,000, University of Lynchburg graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65, meaning roughly eight months of gross income to cover what they owe. That's manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, though it trails the performance of Virginia's top political science programs, where graduates at schools like Liberty, UVA, and George Mason are earning $45,000 or more right out of the gate.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates—both the earnings and debt figures come from peer programs across Virginia, not from University of Lynchburg's actual outcomes. The small graduate sample that led to data suppression could mean this is a niche program with limited enrollment, which might offer more personalized attention or could signal limited career networking opportunities. Without actual outcomes data, there's no way to know whether this program outperforms or underperforms its peers.
For a family considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable but not exceptional outcomes. If your child is passionate about political science and Lynchburg offers specific opportunities—internships, faculty connections, or graduate school placement—that justify the choice, the debt load won't be crushing. But given the uncertainty, compare closely with Virginia's larger programs that have proven track records, particularly if cost is similar.
Where University of Lynchburg Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,540 | $41,501* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $21,222 | $46,508* | $48,474 | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $20,986 | $45,875* | $67,976 | $18,015* | 0.39 | |
| $13,815 | $45,846* | $60,165 | $22,000* | 0.48 | |
| $16,351 | $43,508* | $58,043 | $23,250* | 0.53 | |
| $62,600 | $43,253* | $58,382 | $23,080* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Lynchburg, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.