Political Science and Government at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's political science graduates start at $43,545—solidly above the national median for this major—but the real story is what happens next. Earnings jump 36% to nearly $60,000 by year four, a trajectory that outpaces most political science programs nationally. While the school ranks in the 60th percentile among Massachusetts programs (trailing elite private schools like Tufts and Harvard by significant margins), it performs in the 86th percentile nationally, meaning it beats out roughly five of every six political science programs across the country.

The financial picture is manageable: graduates carry about $24,865 in debt with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, meaning first-year salary covers student loans nearly twice over. This is notably better than many political science programs, where debt can exceed initial earnings. The modest debt load combined with strong earnings growth suggests graduates aren't locked into immediate high-paying jobs just to service loans—they have flexibility to pursue graduate school, public service, or entry-level positions that build toward better opportunities.

For families weighing whether a flagship state school can compete with Massachusetts' prestigious private colleges, UMass Amherst delivers competitive outcomes at a fraction of the cost. You won't match the immediate earnings of a Tufts graduate, but the financial foundation here is solid, and the upward earnings trajectory indicates graduates are building valuable careers.