Political Science and Government at University of North Carolina Asheville

A political science degree from UNC Asheville starts rough but shows promising momentum. First-year earnings of $24,000 lag significantly—this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among North Carolina political science programs, where the state median is $33,000. Even among the state's 43 programs, graduates here earn about $9,000 less than typical. Debt of $26,000 exceeds both national and state averages, creating an uncomfortable first-year debt burden that equals the entire annual salary.

The saving grace is strong earnings growth: incomes jump 55% to $37,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing in the job market over time. However, even after this growth, earnings remain below where most political science majors start. Compare this to Duke ($55,000), Wake Forest ($47,000), or even UNC Chapel Hill ($41,000)—those graduates earn significantly more right out of the gate and likely maintain that advantage throughout their careers.

For families weighing this program, understand you're accepting substantial early-career financial strain in exchange for eventual income growth. The first few years will be challenging with debt payments consuming a large share of entry-level paychecks. If your student is considering political science, exploring other North Carolina public options or demonstrating strong enough credentials for merit aid at higher-performing programs could deliver better financial outcomes from day one.