Analysis
Borrowing $25,000 for a degree that yields roughly $37,000 in first-year earnings—numbers drawn from comparable Connecticut political science programs—suggests a manageable but unremarkable financial proposition. Similar programs across the state produce starting salaries in this range, which sits just above the national median but falls well short of what graduates from Yale, Connecticut College, or even nearby Southern Connecticut State report earning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means a year's salary would nearly cover student loans twice over, but this assumes steady employment in roles that actually use the degree.
The practical challenge is that political science graduates often need additional credentials or geographic flexibility to access better-paying opportunities. Entry-level jobs in nonprofit work, government agencies, or campaign staff frequently hover in this salary range, and many graduates ultimately pivot to law school, graduate programs, or unrelated fields. With an 81% admission rate and a quarter of students receiving Pell grants, University of New Haven serves a broad population, but these estimated outcomes suggest the program functions more as a general liberal arts pathway than a direct route to financially robust careers.
Before committing, compare what specific roles recent graduates have landed and whether those align with your child's goals. The estimated figures here reflect typical outcomes across Connecticut programs—actual results from this particular school could vary considerably, and without reported data, you're operating with meaningful uncertainty about return on investment.
Where University of New Haven Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,730 | $37,009* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $64,700 | $57,466* | $98,467 | $15,000* | 0.26 | |
| $64,812 | $46,588* | $67,040 | $24,800* | 0.53 | |
| $67,420 | $42,979* | — | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| $12,828 | $41,383* | — | $26,499* | 0.64 | |
| $56,360 | $38,426* | $65,857 | $27,000* | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of New Haven, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.