Political Science and Government at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's political science graduates face a rocky start but demonstrate remarkable recovery. First-year earnings of $27,886 lag significantly—landing in just the 11th percentile nationally and trailing the state median by nearly $3,000. But four years out, median earnings jump to $56,354, more than doubling and ultimately surpassing both Nevada's and the nation's typical outcomes for this major. This trajectory suggests graduates who stick with career development see meaningful returns, even if that first post-college job disappoints.

The debt picture helps soften the blow of that difficult launch year. At $21,083, graduates owe less than both state and national medians, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 that's manageable even on that initial salary. For a highly accessible program serving many first-generation students (40% receive Pell grants), this combination of modest debt and strong mid-term earnings growth offers a realistic path to stability.

The catch: you're betting on patience and persistence. That first year will be financially tight, and not every graduate reaches those four-year earnings. But for families prioritizing affordability and access to a four-year degree—especially those staying in Nevada where UNLV competes closely with UNR—this program delivers solid value once graduates gain experience and establish themselves professionally.