Political Science and Government at University of New England

This program's estimated debt load of roughly $19,600 compares favorably to the national median of $23,500 for political science bachelor's degrees, though with such limited data available from Maine programs, there's inherent uncertainty in these figures. What peer programs in Maine suggest is that first-year earnings around $41,000 place graduates above the national median for this field, which sits at just under $36,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates would need roughly half a year's salary to cover their borrowing—a manageable position by contemporary standards.

The challenge is context: Maine's political science programs span an enormous range, from prestigious liberal arts colleges like Bowdoin (where graduates earn over $60,000) to regional universities where outcomes fall closer to $28,000. UNE's estimated position at the state median tells you this isn't competing with elite New England institutions, but similar programs appear to deliver reasonable preparation for entry-level work. The national comparison matters here—Maine political science graduates generally do better than their counterparts elsewhere, possibly reflecting regional labor market conditions or institutional quality across the state.

Given the unknowns, the key question is whether your student has realistic career plans that align with typical political science outcomes: nonprofit work, government roles, or graduate school pathways. The estimated debt burden won't be crushing if they land work quickly, but this isn't a field known for immediate high earnings regardless of institution.