Political Science and Government at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's political science program shows impressive long-term earnings growth that justifies a closer look, despite a somewhat modest starting salary. While graduates begin at $38,435—below New Hampshire's median for the major—they reach $54,391 by year four, representing 42% growth that outpaces typical career trajectories for political science majors. The $27,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, keeping monthly payments reasonable even during those leaner first years.

The regional context reveals an interesting dynamic: this program ranks in the 65th percentile nationally but only the 40th percentile within New Hampshire. That's largely because Dartmouth dominates state rankings with $72,000+ starting salaries, while schools like SNHU and Saint Anselm cluster slightly higher. However, UNH's stronger earnings trajectory suggests its alumni may be taking different career paths—perhaps policy positions or government roles that start slower but build steadily—rather than immediately lucrative consulting or private sector jobs.

For families willing to look beyond first-year numbers, this program offers solid fundamentals: debt well below national averages for political science, strong earnings growth momentum, and the flagship university's broader network advantages. The investment pencils out if your student values the public sector mission over immediate compensation, but it's worth comparing closely to SNHU or Saint Anselm if early earnings matter more.