Political Science and Government at University of Maryland-College Park

UMD's political science program delivers a rare combination: elite-tier institutional reputation paired with above-average earnings and below-average debt. Graduates earn $42,688 in their first year—landing in the 83rd percentile nationally and well above Maryland's state median of $39,616. More impressive is the trajectory: earnings jump 57% to $67,120 by year four, suggesting these graduates are successfully converting their degrees into career advancement. The $18,768 median debt runs significantly below both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.44.

The value proposition becomes clearer in comparison. While UMD-College Park ranks 60th percentile among Maryland political science programs initially, that positioning reflects the unusual strength of UMGC's online program at the top. Among traditional four-year institutions in the state, UMD sits near the front of the pack with Loyola and Towson, but with notably lower debt loads than either. Nationally, this program outperforms three-quarters of its peers in earnings while maintaining costs well below the typical $23,500 debt burden.

For an anxious parent, this represents a solid foundation: a respected name that opens doors in government, policy, and private sector roles, combined with manageable debt and strong earning potential by mid-career. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates reinforces that these outcomes are consistent, not outliers.