Political Science and Government at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth's political science graduates earn $36,718 in their first year—just above the national median but notably below the $43,010 that Massachusetts graduates typically make in this field. The 40th percentile state ranking reveals the challenge: you're competing in one of the country's strongest markets for political science majors (home to elite programs pulling the median upward), but not gaining the premium those credentials can command. Meanwhile, the $24,947 debt load is reasonable and actually slightly below the state median, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.68.

The real question for Massachusetts families is whether this makes sense when in-state options range from UMass Amherst to private schools with significantly stronger placement outcomes. At 92% admission, UMass Dartmouth serves an important access mission—36% of students receive Pell grants—but that openness doesn't translate to the same career network or employer pull as more selective Massachusetts schools. If your student is choosing this program, they'll need to be proactive about internships and political connections, since the degree alone won't open doors the way it might from Boston-area competitors.

For students committed to public service or graduate school, the modest debt makes this workable. But families banking on political science leading directly to a strong salary should recognize they're starting behind most Massachusetts peers in this field.